New Delhi- In a new post from Kerala Congress, the party has questioned the actual benefits of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's extensive foreign travels during his tenure. According to Congress, Modi's 157 trips to 73 countries, which have cost the Indian taxpayer ₹8,400 crore, have not yielded any tangible results for the nation. The prime minister's travel was largely centered on grand events for NRIs and fostering personal connections with world leaders, but Congress argues that India has not seen any significant diplomatic or economic gains.

One of the key concerns raised is the lack of international support for India in crucial moments, such as in the context of Pakistan’s IMF bailout or the recent terror attacks. Despite Modi’s frequent presence on the global stage, India has been largely isolated when it comes to garnering international backing on critical issues. As Congress points out, countries from India's long list of travel destinations have failed to stand by India during moments of crisis.

India’s neighborhood diplomacy, once considered a cornerstone of its foreign policy, has also faced setbacks. Historically regarded as close allies, many of India’s neighbors have turned hostile. The relationship with countries like Nepal, Sri Lanka, and even Bangladesh has been strained over the years, with disagreements on issues such as water-sharing, territorial disputes, and national security concerns.

Meanwhile, countries like Pakistan continue to act as a significant regional threat, with no visible international backing for India’s stance against terrorism. The recent border skirmishes and the ongoing tension over Kashmir saw little support from countries that India has hosted lavishly in the past.

The Cost of Modi's Foreign Policy: A Deeper Look

The Congress claims that while the prime minister's foreign trips may have helped businesses, especially those linked to tycoons like Adani and Ambani, they have not brought any direct benefits to the Indian public. Despite the frequent photo ops, hugs, and photo shoots with world leaders, the Congress says India has not seen substantial advantages like better defense deals, technology transfers, or improved trade agreements.

"Have we received cheaper defence deals? Have we got any major technology transfers? Have we got a higher place in any elite international grouping? Have we got better tariff deals? The answer is no", the post read.

Additionally, the ₹8,400 crore spent on two special airplanes for Modi's international travels could have been invested elsewhere, they argue, pointing out the lack of any long-term strategic advantages for India’s economic or defense sectors.

Tough Questions to Modi and the BJP

As India continues to face diplomatic and economic challenges, Congress is calling for a comprehensive review of the country's foreign policy under Modi. The party asserts that it’s time to ask tough questions: Why have Modi’s trips failed to translate into meaningful benefits for the country? Have these travels been about India’s interests or about boosting personal image and promoting the interests of corporate giants?

The party has urged the BJP-led government to come forward with concrete answers instead of resorting to deflections or "whataboutery." With the nation’s resources at stake, Congress believes it's time for accountability and transparency in India’s foreign policy direction.

This post raises a significant debate on the effectiveness of Modi's diplomatic outreach and its impact on India’s global standing. As the country looks ahead, the question remains: What have we really gained from these extensive travels?

Characteristics of INC Kerala's Attacks

INC Kerala’s social media strategy is a potent blend of aggression, creativity, and accountability, making it the most active and impactful Congress unit in India. INC Kerala posts 8–10 times daily, outpacing other units. Its consistency ensures a sustained narrative.

The use of Malayalam pop culture, memes, and humor sets Kerala apart, making its content viral and relatable. Other units rely on dry, policy-heavy posts. Congress Kerala’s posts relentlessly target the Central and LDF’s governance failures, using data and humor to demand accountability. Other units often split their focus between defense and offense, diluting impact.

Scathing but Factual: INC Kerala’s posts are notably aggressive but grounded in data, such as CAG reports, PLFS data, or government statements, making their critiques harder to dismiss. This contrasts with the often emotional or rhetorical attacks seen in other states.

Humor as a Weapon: The use of Malayalam movie memes and dialogues adds a cultural edge, making posts relatable and shareable. This approach amplifies their reach, especially among younger audiences.

Platform-Specific Strategy: On X, INC Kerala focuses on English-language posts for national appeal, while Instagram and WhatsApp cater to Malayalam-speaking youth with visual content.

High Engagement: Posts consistently garner 1,000–2,000 likes and hundreds of reposts, rivaling the national INC handle (@INCIndia) despite having only 1 lakh 42 thousand followers compared to INC’s 10 million.