Kalaburagi, Mallikarjun Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and Congress chief, has criticized Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his unilateral approach to foreign policy matters. This statement was made amidst the recent diplomatic row between India and the Maldives.

According to Kashmir Media Service, Kharge expressed his views to reporters in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, while responding to questions about the ongoing tension between India and the Maldives. The Congress leader accused PM Modi of personalizing foreign policy decisions, stressing the importance of maintaining good relations with neighbouring countries. “At the international level, we should keep a good relationship with our neighbours. We should act time. We cannot change our neighbours,” Kharge stated. He further commented that PM Modi is managing foreign affairs his own will, rather than through a collaborative or standardized approach.

Kharge went on to criticize Modi’s unpredictable diplomatic conduct, saying that the Prime Minister is prone to embracing or condemning others on a whim. He emphasized the need for preparedness and protest in the face of such actions to protect the country’s interests.

This criticism follows a recent diplomatic incident where India summoned the Maldives envoy after three ministers of the island nation made derogatory remarks against PM Modi. One of the ministers referred to Modi as a ‘clown’ and a ‘puppet of Israel’. The controversy was sparked by comments from a Maldivian lawmaker criticizing Modi’s visit to Lakshadweep, suggesting that India was promoting the Union Territory as a competing tourist destination to the Maldives. The ministers involved in making the derogatory remarks included Maryam Shiuna, Malsha Shareef, and Mahzoom Majid.

This incident highlights growing tensions and the complex dynamics of India’s foreign relations under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.