Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Aug 14: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stressed India's strong and expanding ties with Italy and called for mutual respect amid a political controversy over Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's remarks concerning Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India and Italy have strengthened their relationship in recent years and emphasised the importance of maintaining mutual respect in diplomatic interactions.

"We have strong ties with Italy. Our ties with Italy in recent years have expanded and strengthened in every which way, and it's important that, as part of diplomatic practice, we strengthen our ties, keeping in mind and being respectful of each other. There's mutual understanding between the two sides," Jaiswal said.

The MEA's remarks came a day after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to foreign policy, particularly his practice of greeting foreign leaders with hugs.

Addressing the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention on Thursday, Gandhi said it appeared to have been ingrained in Modi's mind that foreign policy was about hugging political leaders.

Gandhi then hugged Rachnatmak Congress chief Sandeep Dikshit on stage to illustrate his point.

Dikshit jokingly asked Gandhi whether he had mistaken him for Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Gandhi responded, "I have not reached there yet," drawing laughter from the gathering.

Gandhi also questioned the idea that diplomatic relations were primarily about personal friendships.

"You aren't just visiting a friend's house. 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," he said.

He further criticised the BJP and RSS, describing them as a "bunch of jokers" and questioning their understanding of India.

The remarks triggered criticism from BJP leaders, who accused Gandhi of making inappropriate comments about the Prime Minister's diplomatic engagements and foreign leaders.

The MEA, however, did not directly name Gandhi or comment on the political exchange, instead stressing the importance of maintaining India's bilateral relationship with Italy and ensuring that public discourse remains respectful.