MEA Slams Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s Remarks on PM Modi’s Foreign Visits as “Irresponsible and Regrettable”

New Delhi, July 10 : The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday condemned comments made by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann that appeared to mock Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent overseas engagements, calling the remarks “irresponsible and regrettable.”

Without directly 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. These remarks are irresponsible and regrettable and do not behove the state authority. Government of India disassociates itself from such unwarranted comments that undermine India’s ties with friendly countries.”

The sharp statement came hours after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann made a sarcastic jibe about PM Modi’s frequent foreign visits, suggesting that the prime minister visits nations with small populations for symbolic recognition rather than substantial diplomatic purpose.

“PM has gone somewhere. I think it is Ghana. He is going to be back and he is welcome. God knows which countries he keeps visiting ‘Magnesia,’ ‘Galveaisa,’ ‘Tarvesia.’ He does not stay in a country with 140 crore people. He is visiting countries where the population is 10,000 and he is getting the ‘highest awards’ there. Here, 10,000 people gather to watch a JCB… What has he gotten himself into!” Mann said.

PM Modi recently concluded a significant five-nation tour the longest of his tenure in the past decade covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9. The visit included his participation in the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro and bilateral talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on defense cooperation, renewable energy, and digital public infrastructure.

During the trip, PM Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour, the “Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross,” and Ghana’s top civilian award, the “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.”

The MEA’s strong rebuttal underscores the Centre’s position that India’s engagements with nations of all sizes are strategic and significant, particularly with partners from the Global South.