Congress on Wednesday questioned the Centre, calling Pakistan’s reported role in facilitating a ceasefire between the United States and Iran a “serious setback” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personalised style of diplomacy, reported the PTI.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said the development exposes what he described as the Prime Minister’s “self-styled Vishwaguru image”, the news agency reported.
Ramesh stated that the global community would cautiously welcome the two-week ceasefire in the West Asia conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran.
He claimed the conflict began on February 28 following targeted assassinations of senior Iranian leadership, shortly after Mr Modi’s visit to Israel, which he argued had affected India’s global standing.
Criticism of India’s foreign policy approach
According to the PTI, the Congress leader argued that Pakistan’s involvement in the ceasefire process undermines India’s long-standing policy of diplomatically isolating Pakistan over terrorism concerns in Jammu and Kashmir.
He contrasted the current situation with the diplomatic efforts under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh following the 2008 Mumbai attacks.
Ramesh also questioned the government’s broader strategy, suggesting that Pakistan’s role challenges India’s narrative on the global stage.
Remarks on US and Israel
The Congress accused the Prime Minister of remaining silent on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as statements made by US President Donald Trump, reported the PTI.
Ramesh described this silence as a sign of political weakness.
Priyanka Gandhi criticises west`s language
Senior Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also criticised Western nations for their language regarding Iran.
She said the world is beginning to see through what she described as a “veil of morality”, adding that violence and injustice never succeed, while courage ultimately prevails, the news agency reported.
The ceasefire agreement
US President Donald Trump announced a pause in military action shortly before a deadline he had set for Iran. The ceasefire reportedly followed discussions involving Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and military chief Asim Munir, reported the PTI.
Iran has indicated its willingness to accept the ceasefire and begin negotiations with the United States in Pakistan. However, uncertainty remains over the exact start of the truce, with reports of continued violence in parts of the region.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that while Israel supports the ceasefire with Iran, it does not extend to ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
(with PTI inputs)