New Delhi (India) August 13: Leader of the opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, on Thursday made a pointed attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomacy suggesting the PM’s foreign policy is marked with hugs.

Rahul Gandhi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ Jibe at PM Modi

While speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress’s national convention which consults with civil society leaders and groups, Rahul Gandhi stated that it is utter ignorance to assume that diplomacy is about hugs. To make his point clear, Gandhi then hugged the chief of Rachnatmak Congress, Sandeep Dikshit.

“Imagine the ignorance… where did he get the idea that foreign policy was about hugging leaders,” Gandhi said.

His gesture initiated a political debate with the BJP terming the comment as "immature" while the Congress asserted that Gandhi has not named Meloni (Italian PM, whom Modi hugged).

Questions India’s Role in West Asia Crisis

Gandhi questioned the India-US relationship using the example of Pakistan's role in mediating during the Iran war and raising doubts over India's stance in the current West Asia crisis.

"War broke out in Iran. For India—had it recognized its own strength and had its leader been someone like Indira Gandhi—this presented the greatest opportunity in the world. What kind of opportunity? Iran was our old friend, America was our friend, and Russia was our friend. We could have stepped up, become relevant, and leveraged these friendships. But what actually happened? Nothing of the sort. Instead, Pakistan stepped in and took our place; Pakistan became the mediator, while India and Modi-ji simply looked on," he said.

Raises Concerns Over China Border

Gandhi also attacked the current government on the China border row calling out their handling of the situation and further stating that Chinese troops prevented Indian soldiers from carrying out their patrols in parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Rahul said, "I receive information directly from Modi ji’s office these days; there is a full-blown revolt going on inside. In our patrolling areas—specifically in Arunachal—China blocked us from patrolling. They essentially said, 'Look, all that is fine—it is indeed your land—but you cannot patrol here'".

Galwan Clash Sparks Political Row

Rahul also took a shot at the government's reaction to the Galwan Valley conflict stating that India's diplomatic posture has weakened its negotiating ability with China.

He said, “After the Galwan incident, the Prime Minister held a meeting—a Zoom call. He stated that China hadn't taken a single inch of Indian territory. The Army said that our land had been taken. Just think about the message sent to China: Chinese negotiators asked our negotiators, ‘What nonsense are you talking about? Your own Prime Minister said no land was lost.’”