Karnataka Minister Criticizes Union Government's Foreign Policy at Press Conference

Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge criticized the Union government's foreign policy, accusing it of compromising India's global standing. He highlighted the lack of response from the Centre to remarks by US officials on India's economic and energy policies. Kharge also accused BJP leaders of focusing on opposition attacks rather than defending national dignity.

In a bold critique of the Union government's approach to foreign relations, Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge lamented what he termed a significant compromise of India's global standing. Addressing the media in Kalaburagi, Kharge alleged that the Centre had ceded too much to the United States, failing to uphold India's dignity on the international stage.

Pointing to remarks made by US officials, including US Deputy Secretary Christopher Landau and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Kharge noted how the discussion on India's economic and energy policies had crossed boundaries, with a lack of firm governmental response. Kharge expressed frustration over India's conditional permission to purchase crude oil from Russia amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Kharge's scathing remarks extended to BJP leaders, whom he accused of remaining silent on serious matters of national dignity while engaging in political attacks on opposition figures. He recalled the assertive foreign policy stances of past Congress leaders, urging a redirection of public debate towards urgent economic and diplomatic issues.

(With inputs from agencies.)