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Mani Shankar Aiyar's Sharp Critique: Why Modi's Global Hugs Don't Make India 'Vishwaguru'

Congress veteran Mani Shankar Aiyar has launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy approach. He argues that diplomacy has been dangerously personalized and reduced to mere optics of hugging global leaders. The veteran politician questioned claims that India has become a 'Vishwaguru' through such gestures alone. Aiyar also commented on oil imports from Russia and declined to engage with questions about religious events.

Key Points: Mani Shankar Aiyar Slams Modi Foreign Policy as Personal Diplomacy

  • Aiyar criticizes Modi's foreign policy as dangerously personalized and reduced to optics
  • Congress leader says diplomacy should not be projected as individual achievement
  • Aiyar questions claims of India becoming 'Vishwaguru' through leader hugs
  • Veteran politician reveals only private companies still buying Russian oil
  • Aiyar declines comment on Ayodhya Deepotsav, identifying as atheist
2 min read

Modi govt can't claim India has become 'Vishwaguru' by hugging global leaders everywhere : Mani Shankar Aiyar

Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar criticizes Modi's personalized foreign policy, saying hugging world leaders doesn't make India a global leader amid Trump claims.

"Just by saying that Prime Minister Modi hugged the most leaders and made friends everywhere, we can't claim India has become number one in the world. - Mani Shankar Aiyar"

New Delhi, Oct 21

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar, on Tuesday, launched a sharp political attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, saying it has been dangerously "personalised" and reduced to mere optics of hugging global leaders.

His comments came in response to US President Donald Trump's repeated claims that he personally brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan.

"Foreign policy should never be made personal," Aiyar said, speaking to reporters in Delhi.

To a question on claims by the ruling BJP-led Union government that the country has seen massive achievements in the international arena, the Congress veteran replied, saying: "This government's biggest mistake is projecting diplomacy as an individual achievement."

"Just by saying that Prime Minister Modi hugged the most leaders and made friends everywhere, we can't claim India has become number one in the world. The entire foreign service should be used for building relationships -- and the government must consult people who have experience in foreign policy," Aiyar said.

On repeated threats from Trump over the tariff issue and the ongoing import of oil from Russia, the Congress veteran said, "As per my information, public sector companies in the oil sector are no longer buying from Russia. Only private institutions are purchasing oil."

Responding to the record-breaking lighting of 26 lakh lamps in Ayodhya during the Deepotsav, which the BJP hailed as a victory of Sanatan Dharma, Aiyar said: "I am an atheist, so I have nothing to say."

The remarks -- blending sarcasm and criticism -- reflect Aiyar's continued disapproval of the Narendra Modi government's foreign policy and the BJP's growing use of religion in political discourse.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
But let's be honest - India's global standing HAS improved under Modi ji. World leaders actually want to meet him, unlike before when we were mostly ignored. Aiyar is just being bitter. 🤷‍♀️
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Sarah B
As someone who follows international relations closely, I appreciate Aiyar's perspective. Personal diplomacy has its limits. Sustainable foreign policy needs institutional strength, not just charismatic leadership.
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Arjun K
The "Vishwaguru" claim does feel premature. We have made progress, but true global leadership comes from economic strength, innovation, and solving our own problems first. Let's focus on that rather than empty titles.
M
Michael C
Interesting debate. While personal relationships between leaders do matter in diplomacy, Aiyar is right that it shouldn't replace professional foreign service expertise. Balance is key.
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Kavya N
Whether you agree with Aiyar or not, we need more such constructive criticism in our democracy. Blind praise helps no one. At least he's raising important questions about our foreign policy approach. 🙏

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