New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s insensitive and disrespectful remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic style and Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni drew sharp criticism across the political spectruma and beyond. Meanwhile, on August 14, Friday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged political leaders to exercise restraint and maintain respect while commenting on foreign leaders.
The MEA’s response came a day after Rahul Gandhi and Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit made a reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during an exchange mocking PM Modi’s interactions with foreign leaders.
Rahul Gandhi’s remark on Italian PM Meloni
Speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress Organising National Convention in New Delhi on August 12, Thursday, Rahul Gandhi mocked about Prime Minister Modi’s approach to foreign policy. He said he would demonstrate what “foreign policy” meant for Modi and walked towards Sandeep Dikshit with his arms stretched out and hugging him.
“I don’t know where he (Modi) got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people’s heads. He thinks this is foreign policy”, Gandhi said. Dikshit then joined the joke, asking Gandhi whether he had hugged him while thinking he was Giorgia Meloni. Gandhi replied, “I haven’t reached that stage yet”.
Is @RahulGandhi the Leader of Opposition or a Stand-Up Comedian? 🤡
Phir bolte hain
Vote Chori hoti hai! pic.twitter.com/xoWTIfW53S— RP Singh National Spokesperson BJP (@rpsinghkhalsa) August 13, 2026
The remarks immediately triggered criticism and BJP accused Rahul Gandhi of making an inappropriate and immature comment. BJP spokesperson Sanju Verma called the remark “deplorable” and “despicable”, arguing that such comments were unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition or someone aspiring to become Prime Minister.
आपको लगता है कि राहुल गांधी जी की मानसिक स्थिति ठीक है? झारखंड के राँची में कांके इनके लिए ठीक जगह है pic.twitter.com/skrSEXtSkA
— Dr Nishikant Dubey (@nishikant_dubey) August 13, 2026
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey also shared a video of the Congress event and questioned Gandhi’s conduct, while BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar accused him of using “cheap language” against Prime Ministers and said such behaviour lowered the standard of the Indian political discourse.
MEA calls for respectful discourse on foreign leaders
Meanwhile, the MEA responding to questions during a press conference, emphasised the importance of maintaining respectful discourse when political leaders refer to foreign dignitaries. “We have strong ties with Italy. Our ties have expanded and strengthened. It is important, as part of diplomatic practice, we strengthen ties being respectful”, Jaiswal said.
Jaiswal further stressed that India’s relationship with Italy remains strong and that New Delhi is committed to deepening bilateral ties. “India has strong relations with Italy. We want to further strengthen these relations. Any issue should be put forward with respect,” he said.
