Mumbai, May 20 (AHN) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday welcomed NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar’s remarks praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s efforts to enhance India’s global stature, while also taking a swipe at the opposition for criticising his foreign visits.

Sharad Pawar, at a public function held on Tuesday evening, said, "Even though our political ideologies and positions may differ, politics should never be brought into matters concerning national interest."

He was speaking about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's international visits. Sharad Pawar lauded PM Modi's working style, stating that the Prime Minister is working to elevate India's stature on the global stage and enhance the country's prestige.

“Today, our country stands at a new and distinct crossroads. Our political perspectives and those of Prime Minister Narendra Modi may certainly differ, but no one can deny that he is strengthening India's image internationally. When it comes to the identity and prestige of the country, all political parties must set aside their differences," Sharad Pawar said.

Sharad Pawar further cited examples of former Prime Ministers, noting that leaders such as Indira Gandhi, P.V. Narasimha Rao, and Dr Manmohan Singh consistently placed national interest and India’s global standing at the core of their policies. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is similarly working to enhance the country’s prestige. Pawar also stressed that while working in society, individuals must rise above party lines and remain mindful of their responsibility towards the public.

CM Fadnavis described the response coming from a veteran leader like Sharad Pawar as extremely mature and significant.

"What Sharad Pawar has said is highly important. At a time when several people were criticising Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning why he visits foreign countries and what happens there, India has signed crucial agreements with various nations. Our future for the next 20 years has been secured because of these pacts. This is why Sharad Pawar urged not to criticise unnecessarily. The Prime Minister is traveling abroad to work for the country. Therefore, criticising him is unjustified," stated the CM.