New Delhi, 21 May (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday described Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-nation visit as an “important and strategic tour” for the country, stating that it has strengthened India’s trade, investment, and global partnerships.

Addressing a press conference at the party headquarters, senior BJP leader and Union Minister Piyush Goyal said that Prime Minister Modi’s foreign visits have consistently reinforced India’s trade, investment, and international cooperation. He added that India today engages with the world from a position of strength, and its economic ties with several countries have been steadily improving.

Goyal said that the visit was not merely a diplomatic or political engagement on the international stage, but one that has produced significant outcomes for India’s future. He stated that during the visit, Prime Minister Modi brought back tangible benefits for all sections of Indian society. Citing outcomes, he said the UAE has committed investments worth USD 75–100 billion, and around USD 5 billion (approximately ₹45,000 crore) worth of commitments have already been approved and are set to flow into India.

He added that during the recent five-nation tour, discussions were held with the United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy on expanding cooperation in areas including trade, defence, energy, and technology.

Responding to opposition criticism, Goyal said that while the world continues to express confidence in India and its Prime Minister, Rahul Gandhi is repeatedly projecting negativity in his statements and speeches. He said, “The people of India have repeatedly rejected Rahul Gandhi. His frustration, mindset, and the derogatory language being used against the Prime Minister are clearly visible.”

He further stated, “Is eliminating Naxalism anti-national, or was allowing it to flourish for years under Congress rule anti-national? The Congress and the Gandhi family’s support for infiltrators is anti-national.”

The minister also said, “Is respecting the Indian tricolour on global platforms anti-national, or was insulting the tricolour abroad anti-national? Is crushing terrorism and responding firmly to terrorism anti-national, or was offering concessions and ‘biriyani’ to terrorists anti-national?”

Goyal added that Rahul Gandhi’s language reflects weakness and frustration. He claimed that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India has become one of the fastest-growing major economies in the world and its global standing continues to rise.

He further stated that the Prime Minister was accorded a grand welcome in all five countries, with multiple programmes organised and members of the Indian diaspora expressing respect and admiration. He added that India also received three international honours during the visit, calling it a strong message that “India stands firmly on the global stage” and is now widely seen as a trusted global partner.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar