Modi govt should practise what it preaches to the world: Chidambaram

Slamming Prime Minister Narendra Modi's remarks during his virtual address at G7 summit, former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said Modi government should practise what it preaches to the world in India. Chidambaram termed his speech as inspiring and ironic as well as added that India is the most infected and least vaccinated country.

New Delhi: Taking a jibe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address at the G7 Summit, former Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the speech was inspiring as well as ironic. He also pointedly said Modi was not physically present at the summit as India is an outlier as far as the fight against Covid-19 is concerned. "We are the most infected and least vaccinated country (as a proportion of the population)," he said.

During his speech, Modi called for worldwide unity, which was received well by the leaders, and urged for the need to embrace "values that bind us together". These values include respect for international rules and norms. He had sent out the message "One Earth, One Health" while participating virtually in the session.

P Chidambaram's tweet on PM Modi's speech

"PM Modi’s speech at the G7 Outreach meeting is inspiring as well as ironic. The Modi government should practise in India what it preaches to the world (sic)," Chidambaram tweeted. "It is sad that PM Modi was the only Guest not physically present at the Outreach meeting. Ask yourself why? Because India is an outlier as far as the fight against Covid 19 is concerned. We are the most infected and least vaccinated country (as a proportion of the population) (sic)," he wrote on the micro-blogging platform.

"Participated in the @G7 Summit session on Health. Thanked partners for the support during the recent COVID-19 wave. India supports global action to prevent future pandemics (sic), " PM Modi tweeted regarding the summit. "One Earth, One Health" is our message to humanity," he added.

"Also participated in the @G7 session on Climate and reiterated India's strong commitment to climate action. India is the only G20 country on track to meet its Paris Commitments. And Indian Railways is committed to "Net Zero" by 2030," read PM Modi's tweet.

"Was happy to address the @G7 Session on Open Societies as a Lead Speaker. Democracy and freedom are part of India's civilizational ethos, and find expression in the vibrancy and diversity of India's society," Modi wrote.