'Discretion of delegation': Government counters Rahul Gandhi on LoP–visitor meetings claim; names dignitaries who met him

NEW DELHI: Government sources on Thursday refuted Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi 's allegations that Centre does not allow opposition to meet foreign dignitaries. In its response, it said that during any official visit, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) facilitates meetings for the visiting dignitary with Government officials and designated Government bodies. Any engagements outside the Government framework are organised at the discretion of the visiting delegation. The sources also noted that since Rahul Gandhi assumed office as Leader of the Opposition on June 9 2024, several foreign leaders have met him. These include former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on June 10 2024; Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on August 21 2024; Mauritius Prime Minister Navinchan