External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday reiterated his concerns about leaders criticising India abroad and inviting external interference, emphasising the potential negative implications for the country. His remarks came a day after he accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of having a “habit” of criticising India on international platforms.
Addressing a gathering at Aryabhatta College, Jaishankar acknowledged that arguments and differences of opinion are inherent in a democracy but cautioned against taking these disagreements outside of India and involving foreign entities. He expressed his belief that such actions could have significant repercussions.
“In any democracy, there will be arguments. There will be differences, there will be diversity and opinions. And it should be there, there is nothing wrong with it. The problem happens when you take it outside. What is a bigger problem is that you take it out and then invite people from outside to come and interfere,” stated Jaishankar during his speech.
Highlighting the potential consequences, Jaishankar further warned, “If you say India has problems and great concerns and the world must do something about it, this has big implications and that is not good for the country.”
He made these comments apparently in response to Rahul’s recent criticisms of the Modi Government during his visit to the United States.
During his US trip, among other things Rahul remarked that India was being governed by individuals who believed they knew everything, even going as far as jokingly suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would explain the workings of the universe to God if given the chance. Gandhi criticised the Government for what he perceived as mediocrity and an unwillingness to listen to differing perspectives.