'National Interest Above Politics': Sharad Pawar Counters Congress, Says PM Modi Upholding India's Honour Abroad
' Interest Above Politics': Sharad Pawar Counters Congress, Says PM Modi Upholding India's Honour Abroad Curated By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 11:00 IST Sharad
' Interest Above Politics': Sharad Pawar Counters Congress, Says PM Modi Upholding India's Honour Abroad Curated By, Last Updated: May 20, 2026, 11:00 IST Sharad Pawar said Prime Minister Modi is working to protect the country’s prestige outside India. Rapid Read Sharad Pawar Backs PM Modi’s Foreign Outreach Amid Opposition Criticism Veteran politician and Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar has said political differences should not come in the way of protecting India’s prestige, backing Prime Minister Narendra Modi amid criticism from opposition parties over his ongoing foreign tour. Pawar’s remarks came at a time when leaders from the opposition INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, have questioned Modi’s overseas visits during a period of domestic and global challenges. ‘ interest above politics’ Speaking at an event on Tuesday evening, Sharad Pawar said that even though political differences exist, the country’s honour should remain above party lines. “Prime Minister Modi is working to protect the country’s prestige outside India. We may have different political views, but when it comes to the nation’s honour, political differences should not be brought in," Pawar said.
The veteran leader stressed that whenever there is an opportunity to work collectively in the national interest, political parties should come together with a shared purpose to strengthen India’s global standing. Pawar also referred to former prime ministers Indira Gandhi, PV Narasimha Rao and Manmohan Singh, saying they always kept the country’s future and reputation at the centre of their leadership. Congress questions PM’s foreign tour Pawar’s comments came after Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi’s ongoing five-nation visit. Rahul Gandhi said that during a time of crisis, the Prime Minister was asking people not to travel abroad while he himself was travelling around the world. “In times of crisis, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is telling the world not to travel outside, while he himself is travelling around the world," Gandhi said. He also warned that any upcoming economic shock would affect ordinary people the most and not industrialists such as Adani and Ambani or the Prime Minister. Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut also targeted the Prime Minister over the foreign visit.
“Where is Modi? He is on a foreign tour of seven countries," Raut said. He criticised the BJP for celebrating Modi’s reception abroad while, according to him, serious issues were unfolding in India. Raut also mocked the Prime Minister over the international honours he receives during overseas visits. “He will complete the century in getting awards. He gets the highest award in whatever country he visits," Raut said. He further questioned Modi over his earlier advice asking people to avoid foreign travel while continuing his own international visits. BJP defends PM Modi’s foreign visit The Bharatiya Janata Party defended Modi’s foreign tour, saying the visit was important for protecting India’s interests during a difficult global situation. BJP national spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi said Prime Minister Modi was on a significant diplomatic mission. “In the current global circumstances, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a very important foreign visit to safeguard the interests of every Indian with great wisdom and foresight," Trivedi said. The opposition has criticised the Prime Minister for travelling abroad after appealing to people to reduce unnecessary travel and save fuel because of the Middle East crisis.
PM Modi is on a five‑nation foreign tour from May 15 to May 20, 2026, covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy aimed at reinforcing India’s energy, tech, and defence partnerships amid global uncertainty. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 20, 2026, 11:00 IST News india ' Interest Above Politics': Sharad Pawar Counters Congress, Says PM Modi Upholding India's Honour Abroad Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
The BriefWire