Opposition largely agrees with India's stance on Russia-Ukraine war: Rahul Gandhi

Pic/PTI

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said that the Opposition bloc understands India's relations with Russia, and contended they would by and large agree with the country's position on the ongoing war in Ukraine, reported news agency PTI.

Rahul Gandhi was speaking at a news conference at the Brussels Press Club. The Congress MP is on a tour of Europe organised by the Indian Overseas Congress.

"I think the Opposition, by and large, would agree with India's current position on the conflict (between Russia and Ukraine). We have a relationship with Russia. I don't think the Opposition would have a different position than what the Government is currently proposing," Rahul Gandhi told reporters, when he was asked to respond to rising crude oil sales to India when the West has put sanctions on Russia. India has been buying Russian crude oil at discounts, reported ANI.

India on several occasions maintained that its oil imports will be determined by its national interest and keeping in mind its large consumer base.

Also, India's position has been that Russia needs to pursue the path of dialogue and diplomacy for an early resolution of the conflict.

Further, when asked about Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge not being invited to the G20 Summit, Rahul Gandhi while targeting the central government, said, "What is contrary about it? They have decided not to invite the Leader of the Opposition. It tells you something. It tells you that they don't value the Leader of 60 per cent of India's population. It's something that people should think about - why they are feeling the need to do that and what is the type of thinking that goes behind that."

Rahul Gandhi will also travel to Paris and hold meetings with French lawmakers. Before returning to India, his last trip would be to Norway, where he is expected to meet the country's parliamentarians in Oslo, reported ANI.

As the battle heats up for next year's Lok Sabha elections, the 28-party Opposition bloc "I-N-D-I-A" is gearing up to lay a broader roadmap against the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre.

(With inputs from ANI)