New Delhi, June 20 -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hit back at U.S. President Donald Trump, condemning what she described as "constant and unprovoked attacks" and dismissing his remarks as senseless.

Her response further intensified a public feud that erupted earlier this week after Trump, in an interview with an Italian broadcaster, claimed that Meloni had "begged" for a photograph with him during the recent G7 summit in France.

In a post on Instagram, she said, "These constant, unprovoked attacks are senseless. As for my popularity, being your friend certainly has not helped it, nor does it depend on my relationship with you. My popularity depends on my ability to defend Italy's national interest, and that is exactly what I h...