Exclusive | Salman Khurshid on Rahul Gandhi, Pahalgam terror attack, and more

At the Bharat Summit held in Hyderabad, Congress took a bold step towards framing its global vision — connecting with progressive movements worldwide and strengthening its international presence. In this wide-ranging exclusive interview with The Federal, senior Congress leader and former Union Minister Salman Khurshid discussed the party's goals, diaspora outreach, foreign policy alternatives, and Rahul Gandhi’s evolving global stature.

Q: What does the Congress hope to achieve through this Bharat Summit?

Salman Khurshid: This is largely an outcome of the Telangana government’s initiative to project the state as a major growth story. We thought it would be meaningful to use this platform to reach out to like-minded people globally. Telangana became the natural choice. We envision this as a recurring annual event where India’s progressive legacy meets international solidarity. Besides cultural and technology showcases, we are focused on fostering progressive conversations on global justice.

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Q: Is this summit an international extension of the Nyaya Sammelans that Rahul Gandhi has been holding domestically?

Khurshid: Absolutely. The idea is to take the message of justice — social justice, especially — that Mr. Rahul Gandhi has emphasised and project it internationally. While the issues in other countries may differ, the core principles resonate globally. This is about building a coalition of progressive thought, reflecting on common challenges, and collaborating for a more just global future.

Q: What strategic benefit does the Congress derive from organising this summit?

Khurshid: There are two aspects. One is domestic — we are reflecting on our own position and direction. The second is our traditional responsibility to engage with global issues. This builds on our legacy from the Non-Aligned Movement to the 70th anniversary of the Bandung Conference. Even if this doesn’t immediately bring votes, it strengthens our position as a responsible party with a global outlook. It also prepares us for future governance with international alignment in mind.

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Q: Is Congress using this as a platform to boost its engagement with the Indian diaspora?

Khurshid: Certainly. We have longstanding diaspora connections in countries like the US, UK, and across Europe. This summit brings in diaspora voices through progressive movements and direct outreach. Diaspora plays a key role globally, not just politically, but economically. This will help Congress build deeper diaspora relationships, something we plan to expand moving forward.

Q: Is there a financial angle to this summit for Congress?

Khurshid: The investment segment, particularly related to Telangana, is designed to facilitate international investments. But our objective is not direct financial gain for the Congress party. It’s about creating an environment that supports both investment and progressive collaboration. Yes, financial resources are a challenge for us compared to the BJP. But events like this help build visibility and credibility, which can translate into broader support.

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Q: Does Congress aim to offer foreign policy alternatives, especially in light of recent tensions under the Narendra Modi government?

Khurshid: We are working on that. Much of India’s foreign policy framework, laid down since independence, has been undermined by the current government.

The BJP dismissed the non-alignment approach, but global crises like Ukraine and Gaza show that non-alignment remains relevant. We believe in offering constructive solutions, especially when the government remains silent on issues like Donald Trump’s tariff policy.

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Q: Will the Bharat Summit offer concrete foreign policy alternatives?

Khurshid: We hope so. We plan to make policy suggestions that help, not hinder, the government. We might not be in power now, but we have a responsibility to contribute to global discussions.

If our suggestions can shape better trade agreements or responses to tariffs, even better. The final declaration may include such proposals.

Q: On the Pahalgam terror attack, do you think the Modi government is failing on national security?

Khurshid: It’s a tragic failure, and we’ve said so. But we want to keep national interest above political spats. The Prime Minister should have attended the all-party meeting. Instead, he chose to campaign in Bihar. Whenever we held such meetings, the PM led them. That’s where responsibility lies.

Q: Should India resume talks with Pakistan despite terrorism?

Khurshid: It depends on the government. Mr. Modi has said there can’t be talks amid terror. But globally, everyone talks — even the US spoke to the Taliban.

How and under what conditions you talk matters. We won’t tie the government’s hands, but we’re watching closely.

Q: Do you think Rahul Gandhi is being positioned as a global leader through this summit?

Khurshid: Most of the international delegates came here asking one thing: “Will Rahul Gandhi be there?” His ideas resonate beyond India.

He has a vital global role to play, and this summit underscores that. Whether you call it Vishwaguru or something else, his presence is significant. We’re not chasing labels — we’re building a movement.

Q: What is the most tangible outcome Congress is expecting from this summit?

Khurshid: Validation. We want to see global endorsement of what Congress is doing in India. We hope this summit will consolidate the progressive movement worldwide and raise the international profile of Congress and Mr. Rahul Gandhi.

This will be a return to our legacy, where Indian leadership becomes central to global discourse.

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