New Delhi (India) August 14: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday stressed that there are robust ties with Italy and it's important for all the parties involved in any controversy to be 'respectful'. These remarks come in the wake of a political controversy triggered by alleged remarks from a Congress leader against Italian PM Giorgia Meloni.

MEA Calls For Respectful Diplomacy

MEA spokesperson Jaiswal said that over the recent years, relations between India and Italy have seen immense growth and discussed the importance of remaining mutually respectful in our exchanges with all.

He said, "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."

Rahul Gandhi Targets Modi's Foreign Policy

This statement from MEA comes a day after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi called a "bunch of jokers" for the BJP and RSS with no understanding of the country.

At the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, Rahul Gandhi had said that somehow it has become engraved in the mind of the PM that the foreign policy is all about hugging world leaders. Gandhi then hugs the Chairman of Rachnatmak Congress, Sandeep Dikshit, demonstrating as he claims the approach to foreign policy by the government.

“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,” Gandhi said.

“I don't know where it came from; this idea got into their heads. I don't know who put it there or where it came from, the idea that foreign policy means hugging politicians,” he added.

LoP Raises West Asia And China Concerns

Gandhi then went to explain further as he alleged the current government does not value foreign policy as he questioned India's role in the conflict in West Asia by noting that Pakistan came as a broker for US-Iran and India simply watched. 

Rahul Gandhi's criticism also extended to the Indo-China border issue as he stated that China had prevented Indian security forces from entering certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh.

BJP Leaders Demand Apology From Rahul Gandhi

PM Modi has developed a friendly relationship with the Italian Prime Minister Meloni over the years. On several occasions, both PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni were seen posting selfies of their interactions on social media.

BJP leaders strongly condemned remarks of Gandhi and Dikshit over the handling of foreign policy, with some leaders calling it "shameful". Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sharma said that the leadership of Congress have “crossed every line of decency by making objectionable remarks about a woman head of state".

Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis also criticised Rahul Gandhi over his foreign policy remarks, calling him 'chichora' and demanding an apology.