Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday accused the Congress of undermining India’s global standing for political gain, alleging that the opposition party was inviting foreign intervention in the country’s internal affairs in its efforts to establish Rahul Gandhi as a leader.

Speaking at the NDTV World Summit 2026, Modi contrasted what he described as a global search for a new world order with attempts by some political opponents to create instability within India. He said the country needed to project confidence and stability at a time of international uncertainty, rather than allow political disputes to overshadow its achievements.

“When the entire world is in search of a new order, some people are dreaming of disorder in India,” Modi said, accusing Congress leaders of criticising the country while travelling abroad and seeking foreign involvement in domestic matters.

The Prime Minister argued that such actions risked damaging India’s reputation and placing its development achievements under pressure.

Modi Mocks Congress Over Repeated Attempts to Promote Its Leader

Without directly naming Rahul Gandhi, Modi took aim at the Congress leadership, questioning the party’s repeated efforts to establish its leader politically.

“I don't know how long the Congress will continue to put the country at stake for the launch of its failed product,” he said, drawing a comparison between the party’s political efforts and rocket launches from Sriharikota.

Modi alleged that the Congress was willing to risk the country’s interests to protect one political family from criticism over its record of failures.

“The party can do what it wants to ruin itself; we have no issue with that,” he said, adding that the Congress was putting India’s achievements, stature and development at risk in an attempt to shield the family from political setbacks.

The remarks continued the Prime Minister’s broader criticism of the Congress and its leadership, with Modi portraying the party’s approach as driven by its attempts to regain political ground.

Congress Called a ‘Parasite’ in Attack on Opposition

Modi also labelled the Congress a “parasite”, accusing it of holding back the growth of other political parties and organisations.

He alleged that the party’s conduct after losing power reflected an unwillingness to accept electoral setbacks and a tendency to undermine the political system in which it had failed to win public support.

The Prime Minister’s address focused on the distinction between domestic political rivalry and India’s international image. He argued that opposition to the government should not translate into actions that, in his view, weaken the country’s standing abroad.

The remarks came amid continuing political exchanges between the BJP and Congress over leadership, governance and the role of opposition parties in shaping India’s domestic and international narrative.