The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, has sparked a political war of words in Maharashtra, India. Minister Sanjay Shirsat, part of the Shiv Sena party, made headlines by responding to Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut's recent critique of the central government's foreign policy, which included harsh criticism of Israel and the United States. Raut had labeled the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as an act of American and Israeli aggression, prompting Shirsat to retort that Raut should focus on domestic issues rather than international affairs.

In his comments, Shirsat asserted that India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi is strong and capable, suggesting that Raut should refrain from discussing foreign policy and stay out of international matters. He further added that if Raut was so concerned about these issues, he should directly contact President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This exchange highlights the ongoing tension within Maharashtra's political landscape, revealing deeper fissures regarding foreign policy stances among political leaders.

Shirsat also insinuated that Raut's current role had devolved to merely vilifying PM Modi, neglecting the pressing domestic challenges. This incident underscores the politicization of foreign policy debates in India, where international relations are increasingly becoming a battleground for local political rivalries, and illustrates the challenges political leaders face in balancing international discourse with domestic expectations.