Foreign Policy Is Not About Hugs: Rahul Gandhi Criticises PM Modi

Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, saying that embracing foreign leaders and displaying personal friendships cannot be considered diplomacy. He said protecting India’s national interests should be the core of the country’s foreign policy. Speaking at the ‘Rachnatmak Congress’ national convention in Delhi, Rahul questioned the idea of equating diplomatic engagement with personal gestures. To illustrate his point, he hugged Rachnatmak Congress chief Sandeep Dikshit on stage and recalled his childhood experience of accompanying his grandmother and former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to the United States.

Rahul Gandhi also alleged that India had missed an opportunity to play a mediating role in the Iran dispute despite maintaining friendly relations with Iran, the US and Russia. He criticised the Centre’s approach to the Galwan clashes and alleged that China was restricting Indian Army patrols in certain border areas of Arunachal Pradesh. Rahul described the BJP and RSS as a “group of jokers” and accused them of attempting to impose a one-party political system on the country. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also alleged that the government was ignoring the Opposition’s voice in Parliament.