Chinese state-run Global Times triggered online backlash after claiming Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi's reported use of bottled water during her India visit reflected hypocrisy and contempt for India. Indian netizens, including Mohandas Pai, dismissed the criticism as "Chinese propaganda," arguing personal health precautions should not be politicised or linked to diplomatic relations.

A Global Times article criticising Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi over her recent India visit has sparked a backlash online, with several Indian social media users accusing the Chinese state-run publication of pushing propaganda to undermine growing India-Japan ties.

The article, published on Saturday, was titled, "Takaichi's 'brotherly' embrace of Modi contradicted by a reported ban on local tap water, exposing Japan's hypocrisy and contempt for India: observer." It questioned the Japanese delegation's reported decision to rely on bottled mineral water brought from Japan instead of using local tap water during the visit.

The controversy gained traction after Chinese media personality Hu Xijin shared a screenshot of the article on X, writing, "During her visit to India, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi didn't drink a single sip of Indian water and even used bottled mineral water brought from Japan for rinsing her mouth. Is this true? If so, she's living way too delicately, and it's quite disrespectful to India as well."

The Global Times article cited a report by Japanese outlet ABEMA TIMES, which claimed that the Japanese government had instructed its delegation not to use local tap water under any circumstances, including for drinking and gargling, and had transported a large stock of bottled mineral water aboard the government aircraft.