Rahul Gandhi Mocks PM Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ With World Leaders (Video)
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach during his address at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore on September 19. During the interaction with students and youth, the Congress leader demonstrated what he characterised as superficial diplomacy by staging a mock hug on stage.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy approach during his address at the ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj’ event in Indore on September 19. Gandhi criticised the Union government's diplomatic engagements, suggesting that foreign policy has been reduced to personal photo opportunities and hugging international leaders rather than addressing substantive strategic interests.
During the interaction with students and youth, the Congress leader demonstrated what he characterised as superficial diplomacy by staging a mock hug on stage. Rahul Gandhi Takes Swipe at PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’ With Giorgia Meloni, World Leaders (Video).
Rahul Gandhi Mocks PM Modi’s ‘Hug Diplomacy’
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On-Stage Exchange and Remarks on Foreign Policy
Addressing the gathering earlier, Gandhi questioned the efficacy of using personal embraces as a primary instrument of international diplomacy. “I do not know where he got this idea from. Strange ideas get into people's heads. He thinks this is foreign policy,” Gandhi said before giving Dikshit a hug on stage.
Dikshit had then asked him, “You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?” to which Rahul Gandhi replied, “I haven't reached that stage yet,” drawing laughter from the audience. Gandhi emphasized that foreign policy requires strategic depth and sustained diplomatic leverage rather than relying on personal gestures during bilateral summits.
The remarks had drew sharp condemnation from senior BJP leaders, who described the comments as unbecoming of the Leader of the Opposition. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis criticized the tone of the exchange and demanded an apology.
“Rahul Gandhi and Sandeep Dikshit must apologise to the nation. India has never seen such a 'chichora' leader before. They have not only insulted PM Modi but also the Prime Minister of Italy,” Fadnavis said.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi also hit back, urging Gandhi to adopt a more measured political posture. “Rahul Gandhi, when will you grow up? Running India requires mature leadership, not amateur dramatics,” Joshi said, adding that public discussions surrounding head-of-state engagements should adhere to institutional dignity.
Congress leaders then defended Gandhi’s remarks, maintaining that the critique was focused on foreign policy strategy rather than any individual leader. Party spokespersons stated that Gandhi did not refer to the Italian Prime Minister by name and was pointing out that international diplomacy typically relies on formal bilateral agreements and handshakes rather than repetitive personal gestures.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 19, 2026 09:13 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
