India has stressed on the importance of “mutual respect” and “understanding” in its bilateral relationship with Italy and also acknowledged that both “share deep and strong ties”, a day after Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
When it comes to friendship and bilateral relations between two countries, it is important that they are maintained within a framework of mutual respect and understanding,” the Ministry of External Affairs said today. At a Congress party event in Delhi yesterday, Rahul Gandhi had greeted party leader Sandeep Dikshit with a ‘mock hug’. Earlier reporting noted: MEA on Congress’ ‘Meloni jibe’: ‘India shares strong ties with Italy, based on mutual respect and 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.
“We share deep and strong ties with Italy, and we are committed to further strengthening this relationship. “Rahul Gandhi, when will you grow up? Running India requires mature leadership, not amateur dramatics. “The Prime Minister is an elected leader. The words being used, the level to which one is stooping, reflect sheer stupidity and frustration on Rahul Gandhi’s part. “Rahul Gandhi appears to be mentally frustrated. His conduct has crossed all limits of decency. In this role, the Prime Minister of India doesn’t engage in mere friendship.
Unlike Rahul Gandhi and his family, he did not ascend through a hierarchy, nor did he rise due to family lineage or dynastic politics.
The BJP had slammed Rahul Gandhi for mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s handling of foreign policy – with his swipe at PM Modi for hugging world leaders – and had accused the Congress MP of using “uncultured and indecent” language and lowering the dignity of the office of the Leader of Opposition. Calling a democratically elected government ‘jokers and clowns’ proves you are out of your depth,” Joshi said. It is this frustration that drives him to use abusive language,” the Union minister said, adding that by insulting the prime minister, Rahul Gandhi had insulted the people of India. If Sonia Gandhi does not intervene and ensure that he receives appropriate help, the situation could become serious,” the minister said. Earlier reporting noted: 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.
Earlier reporting noted: “You aren’t just visiting a friend’s house.
