MEA Responds to Rahul Gandhi’s Modi-Meloni Remarks
The Ministry of External Affairs has urged public figures to remain mindful of India’s strong relationship with Italy after remarks by Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit involving Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni triggered a political controversy.
MEA Stresses Strong India-Italy Relations
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s relationship with Italy has expanded and strengthened considerably in recent years.
He stressed that mutual respect remains an important part of diplomatic practice and said both countries share a strong understanding as they continue deepening bilateral ties.
The ministry avoided directly entering the domestic political dispute but emphasised the need for respectful references when foreign leaders are involved.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi’s Foreign Policy
The controversy began during a Congress event where Rahul Gandhi mocked Modi’s approach to foreign policy, arguing that the Prime Minister often relied on highly visible gestures such as embracing foreign leaders.
Gandhi demonstrated his criticism by hugging fellow Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit during the event.
Dikshit then made a remark involving Meloni that triggered criticism from BJP leaders and sparked a wider debate over political discourse involving foreign heads of government.
Modi-Meloni Remarks Trigger Political Row
The BJP criticised the comments, accusing Congress leaders of lowering the standards of political discourse and showing disrespect towards the Italian Prime Minister.
The MEA’s intervention focused mainly on diplomatic decorum rather than the political exchange itself.
India and Italy have expanded cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology and strategic engagement, making the bilateral relationship increasingly important to India’s outreach in Europe.
