Former Minister of State for External Affairs MJ Akbar has reacted sharply to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado presenting a so-called ‘Nobel Peace Prize’ to US President Donald Trump during a meeting at the White House.

Commenting on the gesture, Akbar said it reflects Machado’s lack of confidence in her own award and remarked that since Donald Trump has no chance of winning the real Nobel Peace Prize, a “fake prize will look good in the cupboard.”

The comments have sparked debate and reactions across political circles.