In her newly released memoir, Belonging: A Journey Of Love, former Congress president Sonia Gandhi provides a candid account of her interactions with various world leaders. The book covers a range of personal reflections from her time accompanying prime ministers, offering intimate details about figures such as Bill Clinton, Nicolas Sarkozy, and the late Princess Diana.
Regarding former US president Bill Clinton’s 2000 visit to India, Gandhi writes about meeting him at the Sheraton hotel alongside the then-foreign minister. She describes Clinton as “friendly, informal, and exuding confidence,” noting his strong focus on discussing Kashmir, which he termed a “nuclear flashpoint.” However, she also recalls a reception hosted in his honour by then-prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, where she observed Clinton “surreptitiously sizing up the more striking women present.” According to The Times of India, Gandhi remarked that while the Monica Lewinsky scandal had faded, “old habits die hard.” Hindustan Times further described this observation as a “roving eye.”
Gandhi also shares recollections of former French president Nicolas Sarkozy’s 2008 visit to India, noting his “arrogant manner.” She describes a banquet where the wife of then-vice president Mohammad Ansari questioned Sarkozy about his relationship with his then-partner, Carla Bruni. Gandhi recalls that the French president seemed eager to discuss his love life, even as he messaged Bruni on his phone throughout the exchange. On a subsequent visit, when the couple attended a private dinner hosted by then-prime minister Manmohan Singh, Gandhi describes Sarkozy as visibly besotted with Bruni.
Additionally, Gandhi recounts a warm memory involving the late Princess Diana, who interacted with Gandhi’s mother in Italian, referring to her as “Nonna.”
Key facts
- Sonia Gandhi’s memoir is titled Belonging: A Journey Of Love.
- Bill Clinton visited India in 2000, staying at the Sheraton hotel with his daughter, Chelsea.
- Nicolas Sarkozy visited India in 2008, initially travelling without his then-partner Carla Bruni.
- Princess Diana addressed Gandhi’s mother in Italian during an encounter.
- Sonia Gandhi observed Clinton at a reception hosted by Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Background
Sonia Gandhi travelled with two Prime Ministers, Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, throughout her career, an experience that provided the backdrop for the anecdotes included in her memoir.
Source: Times of India, Hindustan Times
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