Govt on Congress' ‘Meloni jibe’: ‘India has strong ties with Italy, based on mutual respect, understanding’

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.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India shares strong and expanding ties with Italy, stressing the importance of mutual respect and understanding in diplomatic relations.

“We have strong ties with Italy. Our ties with Italy in recent years have expanded and strengthened in every which way, and it’s important that, as part of diplomatic practice, we strengthen our ties, keeping in mind and being respectful of each other. There’s mutual understanding between the two sides.”

What happened?

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.

“You aren't just visiting a friend's house. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn't engage in mere friendship. They have no interest in friendship; their job is to protect the country,” Gandhi said.

“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.