India, Aug. 14 -- The Centre has stressed the importance of "mutual respect and understanding" in its bilateral relationship with Italy, a day after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other party leaders made remarks involving Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Thursday emphasised that India and Italy share close relations and said New Delhi remains committed to strengthening the bilateral partnership.

Rahul Gandhi's 'mock hug' remark

The statement came a day after Rahul Gandhi took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's approach to diplomacy at a Congress event in Delhi.

During the event, Gandhi greeted Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit with a mock hug while discussing the Prime Minister's...