The Indian National Congress is intensifying its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence regarding Donald Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This comes after Trump, for the eleventh time in 21 days, asserted that his administration brokered the truce, even suggesting that his intervention prevented a potential nuclear conflict. Congress leaders are demanding that the Prime Minister address the nation on this issue and clarify the extent, if any, of U.S. involvement in the recent de-escalation of tensions between the two countries.
Trump's recent remarks, made during a media event with Elon Musk, reiterated his earlier claims. He stated, "We stopped India and Pakistan from fighting. I believe that could have turned out into a nuclear disaster." Trump went on to thank the leaders of both countries and his own administration for their roles in de-escalating the situation, highlighting trade concerns as a motivating factor. "We can't trade with people who are shooting at each other and potentially using nuclear weapons," he added. He also praised the willingness of both nations to cooperate and emphasized the broader U.S. role in preventing global conflicts, citing America's military strength and leadership.
However, India has consistently refuted Trump's claims of third-party mediation. The Indian government maintains that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision reached through direct talks between the Director Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both nations. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has emphasized that the cessation of hostilities was a result of direct military communications between New Delhi and Islamabad, without any external intervention.
Congress leaders have seized upon Trump's statements to question the Modi government's transparency and diplomatic strategy. They are demanding to know whether New Delhi has opened the door to third-party mediation, potentially deviating from the long-held principles of the Simla Agreement, which opposes such intervention. Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh has been particularly vocal, questioning whether diplomatic channels with Pakistan have been reopened and whether the government has abandoned its traditional stance.
The timing of Trump's claims, following a period of heightened tensions and military exchanges between India and Pakistan, adds further weight to the Congress's concerns. The recent escalation included India's "Operation Sindoor," a military action targeting alleged terror infrastructure in Pakistan, which was launched in response to the Pahalgam terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir that killed 26 civilians. The party has also targeted the Modi government over many aspects of Operation Sindoor, including Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi ranting against external affairs minister S. Jaishankar for “alerting Pakistan” about the missile strikes on terror camps.
The Congress is pressing Prime Minister Modi to convene an all-party meeting to discuss the situation and to consider a special session of Parliament for a more comprehensive debate. They argue that it is crucial for the people and their representatives to have a clear understanding of the circumstances surrounding the ceasefire and the potential implications for India's foreign policy. Congress leaders have drawn a parallel with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's leadership during international crises, highlighting her willingness to engage with the opposition and keep the nation informed.
As the political pressure mounts, the Modi government remains silent on Trump's assertions, maintaining its position that the ceasefire was a result of bilateral discussions. However, the Congress party seems intent on keeping the issue alive, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the Prime Minister on this sensitive matter of national security and foreign relations.
