NEW DELHI, November 10, 2026: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has shared revealing accounts of her interactions with several international leaders in her memoir, Belonging: A Journey of Love, released on Tuesday.
The book revisits her experiences alongside former Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, including meetings with political figures and members of European royalty.
According to a report by Hindustan Times, Gandhi's recollections include observations about former US President Bill Clinton, French leader Nicolas Sarkozy, Princess Diana and a memorable encounter involving Britain's Prince Edward.
Sonia Gandhi Recalls Bill Clinton's Behaviour During India Visit
One of the memoir's notable accounts concerns a reception hosted by then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in honour of Bill Clinton at New Delhi's Maurya Sheraton hotel.
Gandhi recalls observing Clinton's attention towards women attending the gathering. She connects the incident to the controversy involving Monica Lewinsky, which had previously dominated American political headlines.
Her description offers a personal perspective on Clinton's conduct during the diplomatic event, rather than an official assessment of the former US president.
The episode illustrates how Gandhi's memoir moves beyond formal political meetings to describe the personalities and behaviour she remembers from such occasions.
Nicolas Sarkozy's Manner Also Features in Memoir
Gandhi also reflects on her interaction with former French President Nicolas Sarkozy during his visit to India.
In the memoir, she describes his approach as displaying an "arrogant manner", offering a critical personal impression of the French leader.
The observation is among several recollections through which Gandhi contrasts the different personalities she encountered during years spent close to India's political leadership.
Princess Diana's Warm Interaction With Sonia Gandhi's Mother
A contrasting memory involves Diana, Princess of Wales, whose interaction with Gandhi's family left a more affectionate impression.
Gandhi recalls Diana speaking Italian with her mother and addressing her as "Nonna", an Italian term commonly used for grandmother.
The informal exchange stands apart from the ceremonial nature of most interactions between prominent political families and visiting royalty.
For Gandhi, who was born in Italy before making India her home, the interaction also carried a familiar cultural connection.
Prince Edward's Question Leaves Indian Ministers Surprised
Another episode takes readers back to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi.
During the Games, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh hosted a dinner honouring Prince Charles and Camilla, who was then the Duchess of Cornwall.
Gandhi recalls that Prince Edward greeted her and Singh before turning towards other Indian ministers and asking who they were.
The question reportedly produced an uncomfortable silence.
Pranab Mukherjee, who was serving as India's finance minister, responded by formally identifying himself and introducing his cabinet colleagues.
Edward subsequently acknowledged the introduction, bringing the awkward exchange to a close.
The incident provides a glimpse into the unexpected moments that can arise even during carefully organised diplomatic gatherings.
What Sonia Gandhi's Memoir Belonging Is About
Released in India on November 10, 2026, Belonging: A Journey of Love traces Sonia Gandhi's journey from her upbringing in Italy to her marriage to Rajiv Gandhi and her eventual involvement in Indian politics.
Published in India by HarperCollins, the memoir explores her family relationships, personal losses and experiences during major periods of India's political history.
Ahead of the release, Gandhi explained that she intended the book primarily as a personal account rather than a conventional political memoir.
Her recollections of world leaders form one part of that wider narrative, bringing together diplomatic encounters, family memories and the private experiences behind decades of public life.
Conversation
Be kind and stay on topic. Comments are moderated; abuse, spam and personal attacks are removed. Report a problem