File photo: External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Replying to a comment made by an Opposition leader in the Rajya Sabha today while she was speaking on Sri Lanka's response to fishermen issue, Sushma Swaraj hit out saying, "I am not helpless. I am a very influential External Affairs Minister."
Congress leader Rajeev Shukla had said that the remarks by Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe about "right to shoot intruder" in the context of Indian fishermen showed helplessness of the External Affairs Minister "who is not even allowed to share dais with (US President Barack) Obama" during his recent visit in New Delhi. He also said it's a slap on the face of India.
He said even the neighbouring nations had started taking India lightly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi rolled out red carpet for their leaders during his oath ceremony in May last year.
In a retort to Mr Shukla's remarks, Ms Swaraj said, "I am a very influential External Affairs Minister. During President Obama's visit I sat with my PM where I should have been seated. You see the pictures."
Deputy Chairman PJ Kurien wanted the word "helpless" to be expunged but Ms Swaraj said there was no need for it.