Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Wednesday took a sharp swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for gifting toffees to his Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni during his visit to Rome. In a social media post on X, Rahul stated that the Prime Minister is laughing and filming reels, while farmers, youth, women, workers, and small traders are in tears.
Rahul Gandhi's Criticism
"An economic storm is brewing over our heads, and our Prime Minister is out in Italy handing out sweets! Farmers, youth, women, workers, and small traders are all in tears - the PM is laughing and filming Reels, while the BJP lot are clapping along," Rahul said. "This isn't leadership, it's a farce," he added.
PM Modi's Italy Visit
The Congress leader's reaction comes as PM Modi met Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni after arriving in Rome on Tuesday for the final leg of his five-nation tour. During the meeting, PM Modi also gifted Meloni a packet of ‘Melody’ chocolates. The act prompted the Italian leader to post a light-hearted video thanking him for the gift. Sharing the video on X, Meloni wrote, "Thank you for the gift." Earlier, Meloni had also shared a photograph with PM Modi on X and wrote, "Welcome to Rome, my friend!" as she greeted him upon arrival in the Italian capital.
Bilateral Ties and Tour Details
PM Modi’s Italy visit comes amid growing momentum in bilateral ties under the India-Italy Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025–2029, which focuses on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, technology, clean energy, and connectivity projects such as the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). Italy marks the final stop of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, which also included visits to Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.
