The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday issued a sharp rebuke to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his recent remarks mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s international visits, describing them as “irresponsible and regrettable.”
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, without directly naming Mann, criticised the comments made by the “high state authority,” stating that such remarks were inappropriate for someone holding public office.
Our response to media queries regarding comments made by a high state authority⬇️
🔗 https://t.co/hQ8lKEgk1Z pic.twitter.com/NgPxgr6HBC— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) July 10, 2025
“We have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority,” Jaiswal said during a media briefing.
The controversy arose after Mann, while addressing a gathering, took a swipe at the Prime Minister’s recent five-nation tour covering Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Mann questioned the significance of these visits, ridiculing the choice of countries and implying that the trips lacked substantial outcomes.
Responding firmly, the MEA underscored that such public comments risk damaging India’s carefully nurtured diplomatic ties. “The Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries,” the ministry said.
