PM’s five-nation tour delivered concrete outcomes, says Goyal; slams Rahul Gandhi’s ‘traitor’ remark

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s five-nation tour brought concrete outcomes for every citizen of the country, Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal said on Thursday (May 21, 2026). He also accused the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi of having a “negative mindset”, responding to his comments criticising the trip and calling Mr. Modi a “traitor”.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, Mr. Goyal said the tour’s accomplishments reflected that India, under the leadership of Mr. Modi, stands strong on the world stage and is viewed as a reliable and trusted partner.

“This was not just an international diplomatic or political visit. It produced major outcomes for India’s future. The 57 outcomes shape India’s future development strategy, economic journey, strengthening self-reliance, and ensuring that goods are available conveniently to the people in everyday life,” he said, noting that Mr. Modi was conferred with three major international awards during the tour.

“The entire world looks toward India and the Prime Minister with great confidence, whereas Rahul Gandhi Ji carries a negative mindset, as repeatedly revealed in his behaviour, words and speeches,” he said.

‘Real treachery’

At an event in Raebareli on Wednesday (May 20), Mr. Gandhi had slammed the Prime Minister for going on an international tour after a speech urging Indians to practice austerity in a time of crisis. He also called Mr. Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah “traitors”, accusing them of attacking the Constitution.

Mr. Goyal attempted to flip the moniker onto Mr. Gandhi and his party. “Is eradicating naxalism treachery, or was allowing it to flourish for years under the Congress rule the real treachery? The country knows very well that keeping India secure demonstrates Modi ji’s patriotism. The way the Congress party and the Gandhi family support infiltrators is treachery,” the Minister said.

“Is breaking the backbone of terrorism and giving a fitting reply to terrorists treachery, or is serving biryani to terrorists and compromising with them treachery?” Mr. Goyal asked. “If the Prime Minister has emerged today as a global leader, then naturally Rahul Gandhi ji may feel some discomfort, but this jealousy is very unfortunate,” he added, claiming that the people of India have repeatedly rejected Mr. Gandhi. “The frustration arising from that and the sense of resentment within him becomes visible,” he said.

Converting crisis into opportunity

Under Mr. Modi, the Minister said, the country acts proactively in addressing global and local challenges, and converts every crisis into an opportunity. “As soon as the signals of war were evident, India immediately started finalising newer trade routes, tying up newer partnerships on the energy front, finalising agreements with other countries, and securing petroleum products, crude, LPG, and LNG from a more diversified set of countries,” he said.

“Due to the current situation, many of our neighbours and almost all developing or lesser-developed countries have experienced massive disruptions in supply chains, have seen energy crises and soaring energy prices... India remains an oasis in the desert,” Mr. Goyal said, adding that the government has mitigated many potential problems and held prices under control.