The Ministry of External Affairs has criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his remarks about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent foreign visits. Without directly naming Mann, the ministry stated that such comments “do not behove” someone in a high-ranking position. Mann had made statements implying that some of the countries visited by PM Modi were insignificant, which the ministry found irresponsible and damaging to India’s diplomatic relations.

During a press conference, Mann humorously questioned the significance of the countries visited by PM Modi, mentioning fictional names like ‘Magnesia’, ‘Galvesia’, and ‘Tarvesia’. He also commented on the awards received by PM Modi from these nations, suggesting that they were from countries with small populations. Mann’s remarks seemed to downplay the importance of these international engagements.

PM Modi recently concluded a five-nation tour, visiting Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9. The purpose of these visits was to strengthen India’s ties with nations in the Global South. During his tour, PM Modi attended the BRICS summit in Brazil and received several prestigious awards from these countries. In Ghana, he was honored with the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, while in Trinidad and Tobago, he received ‘The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago’. In Brazil, he was awarded the ‘Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross’, and in Namibia, he received the ‘Order of the Most Ancient Welwitschia Mirabilis’. Additionally, in Argentina, he was given the Key to the City of Buenos Aires.

The Ministry of External Affairs expressed regret over Mann’s comments, emphasizing that they undermine India’s relationships with friendly countries. Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that such remarks are irresponsible and regrettable. The Government of India has distanced itself from these comments, reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic ties with nations around the world.