“Good to See the Indian Flag”: Rahul Gandhi BMW World Visit

New Delhi, December 18, 2025: During a high-profile five-day visit to Germany, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi made a significant stop at the world-renowned BMW Welt (BMW World) and the BMW manufacturing plant in Munich. Amidst the showcase of cutting-edge automotive technology, Gandhi highlighted a moment of national pride that resonated with many back home: the sight of the Indian flag prominently displayed at the German giant’s headquarters.

The visit, which took place on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, saw the Congress leader taking a deep dive into the heart of global manufacturing. Gandhi toured the facility to understand the intricacies of world-class production, but it was a specific motorcycle that captured his attention.

A “Proud Moment” for Indian Engineering

The highlight of the tour for Gandhi was the BMW F 450 GS, a new adventure motorcycle. The bike is a product of the long-standing partnership between BMW Motorrad and India’s TVS Motor Company. Developed and manufactured at the TVS facility in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, the bike stands as a testament to the growing prowess of Indian manufacturing on the global stage.

“It was a proud moment to witness Indian engineering on display,” Gandhi shared in a social media post. “Good to see that the Indian flag is flying here.”

In a video shared by the Congress party, Gandhi is seen inspecting several vehicles, including electric bikes and the M-series lineup, while interacting with engineers and visitors. He expressed excitement about the TVS-partnered bike, predicting it would “do very well” in the global market.

Critique of India’s Manufacturing Landscape

While celebrating the success of the TVS-BMW collaboration, Gandhi used the platform to voice concerns regarding the current state of industry in India. He asserted that manufacturing is the backbone of any strong economy but argued that India’s manufacturing sector is currently in “decline.”

• Production as Key: Gandhi emphasized that “India needs to start producing” to ensure long-term economic success.
• Job Creation: He called for the creation of “meaningful manufacturing ecosystems” that can provide high-quality jobs at scale for India’s youth.
• The Goal: He argued that production should be going up to accelerate national growth rather than stagnating.

Political Tug-of-War Over the Visit

The visit has not been without controversy. Back in New Delhi, the BJP has raised sharp objections to the timing of the trip, which falls during the Winter Session of Parliament. Rival leaders have labeled Gandhi a “Leader of Tourism,” accusing him of neglecting his parliamentary duties.

In response, Congress leaders and Gandhi’s supporters have defended the tour as a vital international outreach initiative. They argue that engaging with the Indian diaspora and global leaders is a core responsibility for the Leader of the Opposition. Following his Munich visit, Gandhi traveled to Berlin to address a major Indian Overseas Congress (IOC) event, where he is meeting with NRI leaders from across Europe.

The tour is scheduled to conclude on December 20, with further meetings planned to discuss the challenges facing the Indian community abroad and the party’s vision for India’s economic future.