The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday emphasised that India and Italy share close relations and said New Delhi remains committed to strengthening the bilateral partnership.

“We share deep and strong ties with Italy, and we are committed to further strengthening this relationship. When it comes to friendship and bilateral relations between two countries, it is important that they are maintained within a framework of mutual respect and understanding,” the MEA said.

Rahul Gandhi's 'mock hug' remark

The statement came a day after Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to diplomacy at a Congress event in Delhi.

During the event, Gandhi greeted Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit with a mock hug while discussing the Prime Minister's practice of embracing foreign leaders during diplomatic engagements.

Dikshit subsequently brought Meloni into the exchange with a sarcastic remark, prompting Gandhi to play along.

Gandhi had suggested that the Prime Minister's approach to foreign policy could be reduced to symbolic gestures such as hugging world leaders.

BJP launches attack on Rahul Gandhi

The remarks triggered a sharp response from the BJP, which accused the Leader of Opposition of using inappropriate language against the Prime Minister and lowering the dignity of his office.

Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi questioned when Gandhi would “grow up”, saying that running the country required mature leadership.

“Calling a democratically elected government ‘jokers and clowns’ proves you are out of your depth,” Joshi said.

He also accused Gandhi of attacking the Prime Minister out of “frustration” and said insulting the Prime Minister amounted to insulting the people of India.

Giriraj Singh, Bansuri Swaraj step up criticism

Union Minister Giriraj Singh also intensified the BJP's attack, describing Gandhi as “mentally frustrated” and urging Sonia Gandhi to intervene.

“Rahul Gandhi appears to be mentally frustrated. His conduct has crossed all limits of decency,” Singh said, warning that the situation could become serious if his conduct continued.

BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj said Gandhi's language was inconsistent with the dignity expected from the Leader of Opposition.

BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla also criticised the Congress leader, arguing that while disagreement with Prime Minister Modi was legitimate, involving a woman foreign leader in what he described as a crude joke was neither appropriate nor statesmanlike.

MEA seeks focus on bilateral ties

Against the backdrop of the political controversy, the MEA's statement appeared to underline the importance of keeping India's relationship with Italy grounded in diplomatic norms.

India and Italy have maintained expanding ties across trade, investment, defence, technology and other areas, with both sides seeking to deepen their strategic partnership.

The MEA's emphasis on mutual respect and understanding comes as the political row over Gandhi's remarks continues to intensify between the Congress and the BJP.