Congress on Friday refrained from commenting on the U.S. formally inviting Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a visit to that country saying this is an issue between the governments of the two countries.
“We had never said anything in the matter. It is between Mr. Modi and the External Affairs Minister. This is something between the governments of India and the US. Why should I comment,” party spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi told reporters.
He was responding to a question how Congress looks at the US invite to Mr. Modi after years of visa denial to him to visit that country.
Congress had attacked Mr. Modi many times in the past over U.S. visa denial to him in the wake of 2002 Gujarat riots.
Extending a formal invitation to Mr. Modi for a visit to the US, President Barack Obama has expressed keenness to work closely with him to make the bilateral relations a “defining partnership” in the 21st century.
Mr. Obama’s letter of invitation was handed over to Mr. Modi by Deputy Secretary of State William Burns when he called on him in New Delhi.
Mr. Singhvi also steered clear of questions as to why nobody sits next to the Prime Minister in the Lok Sabha. “Why are you asking this question to me? You ask the Prime Minister. You ask the Speaker.”
The Congress spokesperson also avoided an immediate response to the government’s decision asking the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to vacate its current premises.
“We have a certain view but want to give a structured response. It is in waiting. Let us wait for a day or two. You will get a structured response,” he said.
On the Polavaram project issue, the Congress spokesman counselled the two new states -- Andhra Pradesh and Telangana -- against fighting over the issue.
His advice was that the two states should look to the future as there was no point quarrelling over a “done deal”.
