Who Is Ilhan Omar? Inside controversy surrounding her meeting with Rahul Gandhi in US

New Delhi: Rahul Gandhi, a senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, embarked on a three-day visit to the United States. During this trip, he engaged with the Indian-American diaspora, delivered speeches at universities, and held discussions with key US lawmakers. His visit aimed at fostering stronger ties between the Indian-American community and India, while also engaging in broader conversations with US political figures.

Gandhi’s itinerary included a notable meeting at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, D.C., which was led by Congressman Bradley James Sherman. The meeting saw the participation of several prominent US Congress members, including Ilhan Omar, who has been a polarizing figure in US-India relations.

Who Is Ilhan Omar?

Ilhan Omar represents Minnesota's 5th congressional district and is a well-known figure in American politics as a member of the Democratic Party. She has been vocal on numerous global issues, particularly those involving India. Her stance on India's domestic policies has been a point of contention, particularly when she introduced resolutions in Congress condemning India's revocation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Omar's visit to Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), sponsored by the Pakistani government, further escalated tensions. During this visit, she made statements critical of India's actions in Kashmir, which India denounced. Recently, Omar added to her controversial image by weighing in on the India-Canada diplomatic row, urging support for Canada’s investigation into India's alleged involvement in the assassination of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Her outspoken views on India’s policies have made her a contentious figure, and her meeting with Rahul Gandhi during his US visit has stirred debate about the broader implications of his engagement with such figures.