PM does not attend such events: Jaishankar fact-checked on post slamming Rahul Gandhi's claim of Modi trying to get invite to Trump's inauguration

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar in a post on X slammed Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, for claiming that PM Narendra Modi had sent the foreign minister to the US to try and get an invite to President Donald Trump's inauguration.

"It is common knowledge that our PM does not attend such events," Jaishankar said, adding "In fact, India is generally represented by Special Envoys."

However, he was quickly fact-checked by Alt News co-founder Mohammed Zubair.

He was quick to point out that Modi had attended the oath-taking ceremony of Maldives President Ibrahim Solih in November 2018.

India was also reportedly the only country invited at head of state or government level, ANI had reported at the time, citing sources.

Jaishankar, elsewhere in his post said that Rahul 'deliberately spoke a falsehood' about the EAM's US visit, clarifying he had gone to meet "Secretary of State and NSA of the Biden Administration. Also to chair a gathering of our Consuls General."

Jaishankar added that during his stay, the incoming NSA-designate met with him, and said that "Rahul Gandhi’s lies may be intended politically. But they damage the nation abroad."

Ironically, BJP leader Subramanian Swamy has also made similar allegations, saying that Modi had sent the 'waiter' to the US to get an invite to Trump's inauguration.

While Modi did not attend the January 20 event, the Prime Minister will be travelling to the US in February and is slated to meet Trump on February 13, even as India looks to comply on the illegal migrants' issue and avoid a tariff war with the US.