A former top US government official is urging Indian leaders to put national values first, no matter their political party, after Rahul Gandhi’s recent comments abroad painted India’s democracy as under attack.
Raymond Vickery, who once served in senior roles in Washington, shared his thoughts in an interview with . He pointed out that leaders like Gandhi, from the opposition Congress party, should focus on boosting India’s image and interests on the world stage. “I hope Indian leaders on both sides of the political divide speak out in favor of Indian values and interests,” Vickery said. He drew a parallel to the US, where Republicans and Democrats used to unite on promoting American ideals as leaders of the free world. But that bipartisan spirit has faded there—and Vickery worries it’s happening in India too.
Vickery called for a bigger-picture view from all politicians. Whether in power or opposition, they should prioritize the nation’s goals, he suggested. This kind of unity could help India shine globally.
Gandhi’s remarks came during a lively session with students at EIA University in Colombia’s Envigado on Wednesday. The Lok Sabha opposition leader fired sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. He warned that India’s biggest challenge right now is a full-on assault on its democratic roots.
Gandhi highlighted India’s real power: its rich mix of religions, languages, and traditions. “Democracy is the only system that gives space to all these voices,” he told the packed crowd. Without it, he argued, the country can’t thrive.
He contrasted India with China, calling his homeland a decentralized giant built on diversity, not top-down control. Attempts to clamp down on people won’t work, Gandhi said—India’s too vibrant for that. “India is a conversation between all its people,” he added, stressing that open democratic debate lets ideas and traditions grow freely.
As debates heat up over Indian politics and democracy in India, voices like Vickery’s push for leaders to bridge divides and champion shared strengths.
Stay informed on all the latest news, real-time breaking news updates, and follow all the important headlines in world News on Latest NewsX. Follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter(X), Gettr and subscribe our Youtube Channel.
