Rahul Gandhi to Visit Germany for Key Diaspora Outreach Amid Winter Session

New Delhi, Dec 2025 : Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, will travel to Germany later this month for a major interaction with the Indian diaspora in Berlin, the Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) announced on Wednesday.

Gandhi’s visit, scheduled from December 15 to 20, coincides with the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, which concludes on December 19. Despite the overlap, he is expected to proceed with his international outreach programme, which forms a significant part of his global engagement strategy.

According to the IOC, Rahul Gandhi will address a large diaspora gathering on December 17 in Berlin, at an event organised by the organisation’s European chapters.

“We are honoured to welcome Shri Rahul Gandhi ji, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Member of Parliament, who will engage with the Indian diaspora in Berlin on December 17,” Ausaf Khan, President of the Indian Overseas Congress, Austria, said in the official statement.

Khan added that the event will bring together presidents and representatives of IOC units from across Europe. The gathering will serve as a platform to discuss strengthening the Congress organisation internationally, addressing concerns of non-resident Indians (NRIs), and exploring ways to expand the IOC’s global visibility and influence.

“We look forward to receiving invaluable guidance from our senior leadership, including Rahul Gandhi, Sam Pitroda, Dr Arathi Krishna and other distinguished leaders,” the statement further noted.

The announcement comes at a politically charged moment, with the BJP intensifying its criticism of Rahul Gandhi’s foreign visits. BJP leaders have repeatedly accused him of neglecting parliamentary responsibilities, even labelling him the “Leader of Paryatan”.

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi took a fresh swipe, questioning the timing of Gandhi’s trip during an active parliamentary session.“He spends time abroad when Parliament is in session and then complains that he doesn’t get opportunities to speak. He is a part-time, non-serious political leader,” Joshi alleged.

The Congress hit back strongly. Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra dismissed the BJP’s remarks, calling them hypocritical. “Modiji spends almost half his working time outside the country. Why question the Leader of the Opposition for travelling?” she retorted.

Rahul Gandhi’s upcoming Germany visit is part of a broader outreach effort that has seen him interact with diaspora communities across the US, UK and Southeast Asia this year. His engagements aim to strengthen global connections, revive organisational networks, and project the Congress Party’s vision to Indians abroad.