'Strong ties with Italy, should be respectful': MEA on Cong leader's 'Meloni' remark

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has urged the respectful maintenance of India's ties with Italy following remarks made by Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit. Expressing strong ties with Italy, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized the importance of strengthening these ties while showing respect. This comes in the wake of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy at the National Convention of the Congress party in New Delhi.

During the convention, Gandhi questioned the notion that "foreign policy means hugging leaders" and used a hug with Dikshit to underscore his point. Dikshit then humorously asked Rahul if he wasn't hugging him under the impression that he was Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Rahul replied he hadn't gone that far yet, eliciting laughter from the audience.

Gandhi subsequently proceeded to criticize the Modi government's approach to foreign policy, particularly India's role in the West Asia conflict and its handling of the India-China border situation, alleging China's interference in recent events.