The political war of words intensified on Thursday as senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ongoing multi-nation foreign tour, questioning the timing and priorities of the government amid pressing domestic challenges ranging from economic concerns to security issues.
Ramesh, who serves as the Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, stated that “while the Prime Minister is busy strengthening his global image, the nation is grappling with real issues which require immediate attention and leadership intervention at home.”
🔍 What Did Jairam Ramesh Say?
Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters in Delhi, Ramesh alleged:
“It is shocking that the Prime Minister is busy with his self-congratulatory world tours when India is facing back-breaking price rises, joblessness, and deepening agrarian distress.
There is no time for addressing unemployment data or Manipur’s crisis, but ample time for photo-ops abroad.”
He further added that India’s global image stems from internal strength, and the focus should first be on economic revival, institutional independence, and social harmony.
🏦 Context: PM Modi’s Current Foreign Tour
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is currently on a five-day visit to Ghana, Namibia, and South Africa, focusing on:
- Setting up a vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana
- Expanding Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Namibia
- Attending the IBSA and BRICS Plus meetings in Johannesburg
📊 India’s Key Domestic Challenges Highlighted By Congress
| Issue | Congress’ Concern |
|---|---|
| Price rise | Retail inflation remains at 5.1% in May 2025, above RBI’s median target. Food inflation is hurting middle and lower-income households. |
| Unemployment | CMIE data shows urban unemployment at 9.2% in June, with youth unemployment crossing 17%. |
| Agrarian distress | Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, and Maharashtra continue protests demanding better MSP guarantees. |
| Manipur crisis | Sporadic violence and ethnic tensions persist despite repeated government assurances. |
| Judicial appointments | Concerns over delays in filling vacant High Court and Supreme Court judge posts. |
🗣️ Government’s Response
Reacting to Ramesh’s comments, senior BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said:
“Prime Minister Modi’s visits are strengthening India’s strategic and economic footprint. The Congress should introspect why it failed to build such global goodwill in its decades of rule. Domestic governance continues seamlessly with cabinet colleagues in charge.”
BJP also cited PM Modi’s outreach initiatives like Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra and the Gati Shakti project review meetings held prior to his departure.
💡 Recent Foreign Policy Moves During The Visit
| Country | Announcement |
|---|---|
| Ghana | India to establish a vaccine manufacturing hub to boost African healthcare resilience. |
| Namibia | UPI system integration to promote digital payments and trade settlements. |
| South Africa | Reaffirmation of BRICS cooperation on trade, green energy, and multipolar world order. |
🔬 Opposition’s Broader Critique Of PM’s Foreign Policy Focus
The Congress and other opposition parties argue that while foreign engagements are important, the current frequency and grandeur of visits do not align with the pressing needs of the Indian populace.
Mallikarjun Kharge, Congress President, tweeted:
“India’s dignity lies in solving its own people’s problems. The Prime Minister must focus on ensuring jobs, justice, and security instead of just foreign trips.”
🏆 PM Modi’s Foreign Visits Since January 2025
| Month | Countries Visited | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| January | UAE, Qatar | Energy security and Indian diaspora outreach |
| March | France, Italy | G20 preparatory meetings and bilateral defence deals |
| May | Russia | SCO Summit and bilateral strategic dialogue |
| June | Japan, Australia | Quad Summit and technology collaborations |
| July | Ghana, Namibia, South Africa | IBSA, BRICS Plus, vaccine hub, UPI expansion |
(Source: MEA calendar, compiled July 2025)
🏗️ Impact On Domestic Politics
Political analysts believe Congress’ sharpened attack on PM Modi’s foreign tours is part of its preparatory campaign narrative ahead of the upcoming assembly polls in Maharashtra, Haryana, and Jharkhand, positioning itself as the party focusing on domestic governance gaps.
Professor Sanjay Kumar, CSDS:
“Congress is highlighting livelihood issues to counter BJP’s global statesman image projection strategy. Both will drive narratives in upcoming state and local elections.”
🔎 Broader Public Sentiment
According to a CVoter snap poll conducted on July 2,
- 54% respondents supported PM’s foreign visits, citing international stature and economic benefits.
- 38% believed domestic issues should get top priority over external engagements.
- 8% remained neutral or undecided.
🗣️ Analysts’ Views
Rahul Verma, Political Analyst, CPR:
“While foreign policy successes add to a government’s image, electoral outcomes are driven more by economic and social factors, especially price rise and employment.”
Priya Ranjan, Senior Fellow, ORF:
“Criticism is valid if foreign policy turns into mere optics without domestic institutional strengthening. Balanced outreach with home focus is crucial.”
🔮 What Next?
- PM Modi will return on July 6 and is expected to chair a cabinet committee meeting on economic affairs the same week.
- Congress plans to hold nationwide press briefings highlighting unemployment, inflation, and agrarian issues.
- BJP sources indicate new economic stimulus announcements in infrastructure and agri-marketing reforms later this month.
✅ Key Takeaways
- Jairam Ramesh’s strong critique of PM Modi’s foreign visits highlights the opposition’s strategy to focus on domestic economic and social issues ahead of crucial elections.
- The government maintains that international engagements are necessary for long-term strategic and economic interests.
- With inflation, employment, and agrarian distress emerging as top concerns, both foreign policy and domestic governance will shape public perception in the months ahead.
📌 Disclaimer
This news content is for informational and editorial purposes only. Data has been sourced from Congress press conferences, BJP statements, MEA records, and independent political analyst inputs. Readers are advised to follow official party and government releases for final positions and policy updates.
