The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday strongly objected to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s recent remarks criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s overseas visits, describing them as “irresponsible.”
While the MEA refrained from naming Mann directly, it emphasized that the Government of India “disassociates” itself from statements made by a “high state authority” that, according to the ministry, could harm the nation's diplomatic relations with partner countries.
Mann had targeted the Prime Minister's just-concluded official visit to five nations—Brazil, Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, and Namibia.
Referring to the matter, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, "We have observed some remarks made by a high state authority regarding India's relations with friendly nations of the Global South."
He went on to add, "These are irresponsible and regrettable and do not befit a state authority.
"The Indian government dissociates itself from such uncalled-for remarks that sully India's relations with friendly nations," Jaiswal reiterated against media queries over Mann's remarks.
In a press interaction, Mann had made a reference to the Prime Minister, saying Modi doesn't stay in a country of 140 crore but prefers going to "countries where the population is 10,000."
Read also| SC refuses to stay voters list revision exercise in Bihar but questions its timing
