The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign tours. The MEA called Mann's comments "irresponsible and regrettable," and disassociated the government from them, escalating the political row.

Mann, a senior leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ridiculed Modi's recent five-nation tour, which included visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. He made sarcastic remarks about the destinations, naming fictional countries like "Magnesia," "Galveaisa," and "Tarvesia". Mann also questioned the significance of Modi visiting countries with smaller populations, suggesting that the Prime Minister prioritizes foreign trips over domestic issues. He stated that Modi "does not stay in a country with 140 crore people," and instead, "is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the 'highest awards' there". He further quipped, "Here, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB... What has he gotten himself into!...".

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal issued an official statement, saying, "We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India's relations with friendly countries from the Global South". He added, "These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority". The MEA emphasized that the government of India dissociates itself from such "unwarranted comments that undermine India's ties with friendly countries".

The MEA's strong response underscores the importance the government places on maintaining cordial relations with other nations, particularly those in the Global South. The government views Mann's remarks as detrimental to these relationships and a deviation from the expected conduct of a high-ranking state official.

Mann's comments have been viewed as a broader criticism of Modi's foreign policy, with some opposition leaders questioning the effectiveness and necessity of the Prime Minister's frequent international travel. Critics argue that these trips do not always translate into tangible benefits for India and that Modi should focus more on domestic issues. Some have also accused Modi of using these trips for self-promotion and photo opportunities.

This is not the first time Modi's foreign travels have drawn criticism. Opposition parties have often targeted Modi as a "globetrotting" PM, questioning the expenses incurred on these trips and their impact on India's standing in the world. They argue that despite numerous visits, India has not been able to achieve significant breakthroughs on key issues such as isolating Pakistan on the global stage.