Rahul Gandhi conveyed deep concern over Vietnam boat capsize, hopes govt takes his message with seriousness: Salman Khurshid
New Delhi, July 11
Senior Congress leader and former External Affairs Minister Salman Khurshid on Saturday said Leader of Opposition Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi expressed deep concern over the tragic speedboat capsize that had killed 15 Indian tourists near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island and hoped that his appeal would be taken with the utmost seriousness by the Central Government.
Speaking to ANI, Khurshid said Rahul Gandhi had already urged the government to make every possible effort to provide relief to those affected by the tragedy that took place earlier today.
"He (Rahul Gandhi) has already communicated and conveyed his deep concern about the unfortunate incident that has happened. He has also requested the government to do everything possible to provide relief as quickly as possible. We all obviously support what Mr Gandhi has already said, and we hope that his words and message will be taken with the utmost seriousness by the government," Khurshid said.
Gandhi expressed grief over the boat capsize in a post on X, extending condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and expressing concern for those still missing.
"Deeply saddened by the tragic boat capsizing near Phu Quoc Island, Vietnam, carrying Indian tourists. My heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts are also with those who are still missing, and with their families enduring an agonising wait," Gandhi posted on X.
He also urged the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families.
"I urge the Government of India and the Ministry of External Affairs to work closely with the Vietnamese authorities to ensure that every possible effort is made in the ongoing rescue operations and that all necessary assistance is extended to the affected families," Gandhi added.
Earlier on Saturday, a tourist speedboat carrying 36 people, including 32 Indian tourists, capsized near Hon May Rut Ngoai Island off Phu Quoc. The Indian Embassy in Vietnam later confirmed that all 15 people killed in the accident were Indian tourists.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Such a heartbreaking incident. 15 precious lives lost while on vacation... one cannot imagine the pain of the families. Whether it's Rahul Gandhi or the government, we need to ensure better safety measures for tourists abroad. Vietnam is a popular destination for Indians, so consular coverage must improve. Om Shanti. 🕯️
Salman Khurshid saying "hope his words are taken with seriousness" is a bit dramatic. The government isn't going to ignore this just because it's Rahul Gandhi speaking. At times like this, all Indians stand united. The real issue is how such accidents happen—are these speedboats even regulated properly? India should push for better safety standards for our tourists.
As an Indian living abroad, this hits close to home. We trust these tour operators without thinking twice. Rahul Gandhi's concern is valid, but I wish politicians would also focus on systemic issues—like why our embassies often seem slow to respond. Praying for the missing. 🙏
It's good that Rahul Gandhi is using his platform for this. But honestly, this whole "hope the government takes his message seriously" is just political posturing from the Congress. Everyone is equally sad about this tragedy—both government and opposition. Let's not make it about oneupmanship. Our focus should be on rescue and rehabilitation of the affected families.
So many young lives... This is a grim reminder that safety standards in many tourist spots are not up to the mark. Rahul ji's message is okay, but I wish our politicians would work together on improving travel advisories and emergency protocols. Vietnam is beautiful but this tragedy could have been avoided
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