The West has a bad habit of commenting on internal matters of other countries, says S Jaishankar

Bengaluru: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Sunday slammed the West for commenting on the internal matters of other countries. He said the West has a bad habit and thinks it has a God-given right to comment on the internal matters of other countries.

He was speaking at the 'Meet and Greet' interaction organised by Bengaluru South MP Tejasvi Surya and Bengaluru Central MP PC Mohan. He was responding to a question about Germany and the US' remarks on the disqualification of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi as an MP.

"I will give you the truthful answer (on why we see West commenting on India). There are two reasons. It is because the West has a bad habit of commenting on others. They somehow think it is some kind of God-given right. They will have to learn only by experience that if they keep doing this, other people will also start commenting and they will not like it when it happens. And I see that happening," he said.

He added, "The second part of the truth - In our arguments, you are inviting the people to comment on you. Then more and more people are tempted to comment. We also need to stop giving generous invitations to the world saying there are problems in India, and (urging) America and the world (by saying), why are you standing by doing nothing? So if somebody from here goes and says why are you standing by and saying nothing, then obviously they are going to comment. Part of the problem is them, and part of the problem is us. And I think both need fixing," reported ANI.

He also took the opportunity to shame other political parties for giving benefits that the BJP terms "freebies".

The union minister said freebies are a way to gain quick popularity but you cannot run a country on it. He also said it is an irresponsible way. Taking a dig at AAP, he said some people in Delhi are masters of freebie culture. "They are doing it because they do not have the responsibility of raising resources. You can't run a country on the basis of freebies. Somewhere, somebody has to pay for it. Anybody who is giving a freebie here is taking away something elsewhere."

The AAP has been a flagbearer of providing free electricity and free education.