{
  "id": 873396,
  "title": "MEA on Congress’ ‘Meloni jibe’: ‘India shares strong ties with Italy, based on mutual respect and understanding’",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/mea-on-congress-meloni-jibe-india-shares-strong-ties-with-italy-based",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-14T13:28:13.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/mea-on-congress-meloni-jibe-india-shares-strong-ties-with-italy-based-on-mutual-respect-and-rahul-gadhi-101786714047058.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) affirmed India's strong ties with Italy, rooted in mutual respect and understanding, in response to Congress MP Rahul Gandhi's criticisms of the government's foreign policy and its relations with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Gandhi's remarks have sparked a political controversy, with senior BJP figures denouncing his language as \"indecent.\" The Congress MP criticized the Narendra Modi government's foreign policy, asserting that the Prime Minister's duty is to safeguard India's interests rather than concentrate on \"mere friendships\" and public displays of cordiality. \"You aren't just visiting a friend's house,\" Gandhi stated. \"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 further remarked that he is unaware of how the notion that foreign policy entails embracing politicians originated, expressing doubt about its source. Following Gandhi's comments, he hugged Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on stage to emphasize his criticism of the Modi government's diplomatic strategy.",
  "summary": "MEA on Congress’ ‘Meloni jibe’: India shares strong ties with Italy, based on mutual respect and understanding",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "NDTV - India News",
        "title": "\"Share Deep And Strong Ties With Italy\": Centre On Congress' Meloni Jibe",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/14/share-deep-and-strong-ties-with-italy-centre-on-congress-meloni-jibe",
        "published": "2026-08-14T13:50:38.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}