Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar faction) President Sharad Pawar on Tuesday said that while he has political differences with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is important to acknowledge that the Prime Minister is working to uphold India’s prestige on the global stage. Speaking at a felicitation and fellowship event in Mumbai organised by the Lakshmanrao Gutte Rural Development Foundation, Pawar stressed that matters of national interest should transcend political divisions.

He said that whenever opportunities arise to collectively strengthen the country’s international standing, all political forces should come together in a spirit of cooperation. Pawar added that India’s prestige abroad has historically been a priority for several former prime ministers, including Indira Gandhi, P. V. Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh, who he said consistently kept the country’s global reputation at the centre of their leadership approach.

In his remarks, Pawar stated that despite differing political ideologies, Prime Minister Modi is engaged in efforts to protect and promote India’s image internationally. He emphasised that such efforts should be viewed independently of domestic political disagreements, particularly when national interest is involved. “We may have different political views, but when it comes to the nation’s honour, political differences should not be brought in,” Pawar said, underlining the need for unity on issues concerning India’s global standing.

Also Read: Bengal Elections Will Be Remembered Forever, Says PM Modi on BJP's Historic Win

The statement prompted political reactions, with Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut expressing disagreement. Raut said that while respect for national interest is important, elected leaders must remain accountable and answer questions from the media, including during foreign visits. Raut also contrasted current practices with earlier prime ministers, stating that leaders such as Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi, Narasimha Rao, and Manmohan Singh regularly addressed the press during overseas trips and did not avoid scrutiny.

Pawar also noted that many attendees at the event had spent their formative political years in organisations such as the Youth Congress and have since moved into different political parties, reflecting the evolving nature of Maharashtra’s political landscape. The remarks come amid ongoing political debates over India’s foreign policy approach and leadership style, highlighting differing perspectives even among senior opposition figures on the conduct of national leadership on the global stage.

Also Read: Mamata Tells Defectors: Those Who Want to Leave Can Go