The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has accused the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government of failing to take strong action against Pakistan after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, alleging that the UPA succumbed to pressure from the United States and other foreign powers.

BJP leaders have cited recent remarks by former Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who stated that the UPA government decided against military retaliation due to international pressure and the Ministry of External Affairs' advice. Chidambaram, who took office as Home Minister shortly after the attacks, revealed that then-US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice visited India and urged the government "not to react". He admitted that "retribution crossed my mind," but the government ultimately decided against military action.

BJP National Spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stated that India was waiting for a strong response after the 26/11 attacks, but Congress leader Sonia Gandhi was waiting for directions from Washington. Bhatia questioned why the Manmohan Singh government allowed foreign "interference" in India's internal matters, alleging that the UPA government had become a "puppet of foreign forces". He further claimed that the Indian armed forces were capable of teaching Pakistan a lesson, but Sonia Gandhi was using "remote control" to direct Manmohan Singh not to react.

Echoing Bhatia's sentiments, BJP National Spokesperson Sambit Patra accused the UPA government of lacking the "political will" to retaliate, despite the armed forces being ready. Patra alleged that the Congress leadership "bowed down before US orders," compromising national pride and security. He further claimed that Sonia Gandhi "illegally and unconstitutionally directed the government's inaction," forcing India to offer shelter to Pakistan.

The BJP's accusations come in the wake of increased scrutiny of the UPA government's response to the 26/11 attacks. The party has contrasted the UPA's alleged inaction with the current government's actions, citing cross-LoC strikes in 2016 and the Balakot airstrike in 2019 as examples of a strong response to terror attacks. The BJP has asserted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India "does not bow before the world" and has repeatedly avenged terror attacks linked to Pakistan.

The BJP has called on the Congress leadership to clarify why the Manmohan Singh government allowed foreign "interference" in India's internal matters and why it did not take stronger action against Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks. The party has also questioned the roles of Sonia and Rahul Gandhi, alleging that they compromised India's sovereignty despite the military's readiness for retaliation.