The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday said India shares strong ties with Italy, based on mutual respect and understanding, in response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi’s remarks criticising the government’s foreign policy and its ties with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
“You aren’t just visiting a friend’s house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn’t engage in mere friendship. “I don’t know where it came from; this idea got into their heads. I don’t know who put it there or where it came from, the idea that foreign policy means hugging politicians,” he added. Gandhi then hugged Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage to illustrate his criticism of the Modi government’s diplomatic approach.
Gandhi’s remarks have triggered a political uproar, with several senior BJP leaders condemning what they described as “indecent” language. The Congress MP criticised the Narendra Modi government’s foreign policy, saying the Prime Minister’s responsibility was to protect India’s interests rather than focus on “mere friendships” and public displays of warmth. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country,” Gandhi said.
