The Ministry of External Affairs MEA has strongly criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over his remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign visits, calling them irresponsible and regrettable. Without naming Mann, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, we have seen some comments made by a high state authority about India’s relations with friendly countries from the Global South. He said these remarks are irresponsible and regrettable, and do not befit the state authority. In response to media queries regarding the comments, Mr Jaiswal said, Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries.

MEA’s response came after Mann commented on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s trips to countries with small populations.