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Controversy: Rahul Gandhi Mocks PM Modi and Giorgia Meloni
Rahul Gandhi's joke about Giorgia Meloni during a Congress event sparked political controversy and drew criticism over its diplomatic implications.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has come under criticism after making a remark about Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a political event in New Delhi.
On 13 August 2026, Rahul Gandhi was speaking at the Congress party's Rachnatmak Congress National Convention. While criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi's style of hugging world leaders during foreign visits, Gandhi joked that Modi seemed to think this was foreign policy.
To make his point, Gandhi walked towards Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit on the stage and hugged him. Dikshit jokingly asked, "You weren't hugging me thinking I was Meloni?" Gandhi replied, "I haven't reached that stage yet."
The exchange quickly went viral on social media, with many people calling the remark inappropriate and disrespectful.
The Ministry of External Affairs responded to the controversy. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India shares strong and growing ties with Italy and stressed that both countries should remain respectful towards each other.
The Italian government has not officially reacted to Gandhi's comments.
The controversy came just days after US President Donald Trump also made a remark about Giorgia Meloni, claiming that she had "begged" him for a photograph. His statement also received strong criticism in Italy.
India and Italy have worked to strengthen their relationship in recent years. Since Giorgia Meloni became Prime Minister in 2022, both countries have expanded cooperation in defence, energy, space and trade. They became strategic partners in 2023.
Italy is also a member of the G7 and NATO, making it an important partner for India.
The popular "Melodi" moments featuring PM Modi and PM Meloni, including their famous "Hello from the Melodi team" videos, have often been seen as symbols of the friendly diplomatic relationship between India and Italy.