Hope Speaks a Universal Language, Fight for Dignity and Democracy Is Shared Across Borders: Rahul Gandhi in Colombia
NEW DELHI, Oct 4: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, currently on a multi-nation tour of Latin America, said that hope transcends borders and languages, and that the struggle for dignity and democracy remains a shared human endeavour across continents. Sharing glimpses of his visit to Colombia on his YouTube channel, Gandhi reflected on his interactions with students, artists, and citizens, calling the experience deeply inspiring and transformative.
“From the vibrant streets of Colombia’s comunas and the classrooms of the University of Medellín, to heartfelt conversations with students in Lima, Peru, this journey through South America has been filled with warmth, joy, and ideas,” Gandhi wrote. “I met artists who use colour as a form of resistance and students who dream fearlessly. Their spirit of creativity and courage was truly inspiring.”
Gandhi emphasized that his interactions reaffirmed a profound truth that the language of hope is universal and that people everywhere share the same aspirations for dignity, justice, and democratic freedoms. “At every step, I was reminded that hope speaks a universal language, and that across continents, our fight for dignity and democracy is one and the same,” he said.
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha is on an over week-long visit to four Latin American countries — Colombia, Brazil, Peru, and Chile. The visit, according to the Congress party, aims to deepen democratic engagement, explore avenues for strategic cooperation, and strengthen people-to-people ties between India and the region. Gandhi is expected to meet presidents, senior political leaders, policymakers, and prominent voices from civil society, as well as engage directly with students and youth across leading universities.
A key part of Gandhi’s itinerary also includes meetings with business leaders to explore new opportunities for trade and partnership at a time when India is seeking to diversify its economic engagements in the wake of shifting global trade dynamics and US tariff regimes. His discussions are expected to touch upon collaboration in areas such as technology, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
The Congress party underscored the historical significance of Gandhi’s outreach, recalling the long-standing bonds between India and Latin America rooted in the shared ideals of the Non-Aligned Movement, solidarity within the Global South, and a commitment to building a multipolar world order. Gandhi’s visit, it said, carries forward this legacy while exploring new frontiers in trade, sustainability, technology, and cultural exchange.
The party also highlighted that the visit reflects the proactive role of India’s democratic opposition in shaping the country’s foreign policy discourse and advancing its global presence. “It underscores the essential role of India’s democratic institutions and political pluralism in forging strong international partnerships and deepening India’s engagement with the world,” the Congress said in a statement.
