India-Italy ties strong, remarks should be respectful: Govt on Congress' 'Meloni' jab

The MEA's response comes after a remark involving Giorgia Meloni triggered political criticism, as Rahul Gandhi's broader attack on PM Modi's foreign policy also drew a sharp BJP counterattack.The remark comes after Gandhi mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's "hug diplomacy" at a Congress convention in New Delhi by giving party leader Sandeep Dikshit a mock hug. (File photo)The Ministry of External Affairs on Friday called for mutual respect in diplomatic discourse after Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit made a reference to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni while taking a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India’s relationship with Italy had expanded and strengthened “in every way” in recent years, stressing that both sides must remain respectful of each other.“We have strong ties with Italy. Our ties with Italy in recent years have expanded and strengthened in every way, and it’s important that, as part of diplomatic practice, we strengthen our ties, keeping in mind and being respectful of each other and this mutual understanding between the two sides,” Jaiswal said.His comments came a day after Gandhi mocked Modi’s approach to foreign policy at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention in New Delhi, saying he did not understand where the idea had come from that foreign policy was about “hugging leaders”. Gandhi then hugged Dikshit on stage to demonstrate his point.“Imagine the ignorance... where did he get the idea that foreign policy was about hugging leaders?” Gandhi said. Dikshit then joined in, asking Gandhi: “Ek cheez pooch sakta hoon? Meloni samajh ke toh nahi pakda tha?”Gandhi replied: “I have not reached there yet.”The exchange referred to Meloni, who has maintained close diplomatic engagement with India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.MEA STRESSES EXPANDING INDIA-ITALY TIESJaiswal’s response focused on the broader India-Italy relationship rather than directly commenting on the political exchange.He said bilateral ties had grown and become stronger in recent years, making mutual respect and understanding an important part of diplomatic practice.“We want to strengthen this relationship,” Jaiswal said, adding that the two countries should continue to deepen their ties while “being respectful of each other”.The remarks come as the Congress’ criticism of Modi’s foreign policy has turned into a wider political row, with the BJP accusing Gandhi of crossing the limits of political discourse.GANDHI ATTACKS MODI’S ‘HUG DIPLOMACY’Gandhi had used the convention to question Modi’s approach to foreign policy and accused the Prime Minister of treating personal relationships with foreign leaders as diplomacy.He also contrasted Modi’s approach with that of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, recalling her interactions with the US and arguing that India’s foreign policy should be driven by the country’s interests.“From where, it has gone in PM (Modi’s) head that they (leaders) are my friend,” Gandhi said.He also referred to the US-Iran conflict and argued that India could have played a role in mediating between the two countries.“A US-Iran war broke out. In such a scenario, if there had been leadership like Indira Gandhi ji, we would have had the biggest opportunity. Because Iran is our old friend, America and Russia are also our friends, so we could have mediated friendship between them. But Pakistan stepped in and took our place, and Narendra Modi just stood by watching,” he said.BJP ATTACKS GANDHI OVER REMARKSThe BJP has sharply criticised Gandhi over his comments, including his description of the BJP-RSS as a “bunch of jokers” and “clowns”.BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi accused Gandhi of crossing the limits of political discourse, while other BJP leaders also criticised the reference involving Meloni.The political row has now drawn a diplomatic response, with the MEA choosing to stress the importance of India’s relationship with Italy and the need for mutual respect as the two countries continue to strengthen their ties.- EndsPublished By: Sonali VermaPublished On: Aug 14, 2026 18:40 IST