Indian Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi became the subject of mockery on the Australian television comedy program The Cheap Seats on Channel 10, sparking critical reactions from viewers online.
The segment targeted Modi’s diplomatic visit to Australia, where the hosts ridiculed the size of the red carpet, his mathematical analogy during a speech and his physical interactions with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.
Commenting on footage of his arrival showing a short rug on the tarmac, host Melanie Bracewell stated that it was “less of a carpet, more of a yoga mat”. The hosts also played a clip of Modi stating, “Traditional wisdom says that $1 + 1 = 2$. But when India and Australia come together, $1 + 1 = 11$,” to which Bracewell remarked, “Is that how they measured the carpet?”
Reviewing a montage of Modi and Albanese hugging and holding hands continuously, host Tim McDonald added, “They couldn’t keep their hands off each other,” before joking that the display was a “way to make Kylie Minogue jealous, Narendra!”
The international broadcast prompted a wave of critical commentary from users on social media, who characterized the premier as a source of embarrassment.
“Modi is a Joke, even the mainstream media was making fun of him,” one observer shared, using a cynical and dismissive tone.
Adopting a mocking tone, another commentator noted: “Australian media is having a good time with Modi, his buffoonery and his awkward hugs and handshakes!”
“Modi turning every diplomatic meet into an awkward group hug session,” one person observed.
Expressing contempt and anger, a post stated: “Modi has the capability to convert good and serious leaders into jokers… The way he made educated indian jokers and sitting on their heads being an illiterate.”
“From outside he’s a joker on retard mode. From inside his an ugly vengeful fanatic Muslim hater who desperately wants their massacre,” a netizen stated.
Adopting a mocking and lighthearted tone, another user shared: “He is a cartoon figure around the world…Best Meme material from India.”
“International embarrassment or what,” another social media user questioned.
Using a sarcastic and mocking tone, a separate post read: “Our Vishwaguru PM is being taken for granted everywhere and andhbhakts are having pride in that.”
“I’m surprised it took foreign media 12 years to mock this man,” an online commentator shared.
Expressing deep shame, a final user wrote: “Manmohan Singh never had to face such embarrassment coz he understood the decorum!! This is so embarrassing to watch.”
