The Congress party has raised serious questions about the central government's foreign policy, criticizing the US for bringing India and Pakistan together on the same platform. The Congress has adopted an aggressive stance on this issue, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to abandon his "insistence" on the current approach.
New Delhi: The Congress party launched a scathing attack on the central government for inviting Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, to the US Army Day ceremony. The party termed this a serious setback and diplomatic failure for India's foreign policy. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi abandon his "insistence," convene an all-party meeting, and call a special session of Parliament.
Jairam Ramesh's Criticism
Congress General Secretary and senior leader Jairam Ramesh, in a social media post, stated that inviting the Pakistani army chief to a significant US military event is a severe blow to India. He asserted that this was not merely a symbolic invitation but questioned India's foreign policy and strategic thinking.
He stated that Asim Munir is the same individual who made inflammatory and anti-India statements shortly before the Pulwama terror attack. The invitation extended by the US, an ally of India, is a matter of concern.
Congress: A Series of Setbacks from the US
Jairam Ramesh further stated that India's US policy has suffered three major setbacks in recent months, requiring government clarification:
- General Michael Kurilla's Statement: The head of US Central Command, General Michael Kurilla, described Pakistan as a "reliable and superb partner against terrorism." According to Congress, this statement is detrimental to India's interests, especially given the long-standing accusations against Pakistan of promoting terrorism.
- Invitation to Asim Munir for US Army Day: This invitation comes at a time when India is taking b action against Pakistan-sponsored terrorism through 'Operation Sindur'. Congress questioned whether the US is taking India's concerns seriously.
- Controversial Statement by the US Department of State: Ramesh cited a third setback, mentioning the US Department of State's reiteration that the India-Pakistan ceasefire was possible due to "President Trump's mediation." Congress claims this statement undermines India's sovereignty and its self-reliant foreign policy.
Demand for a Special Session of Parliament and an All-Party Meeting
The Congress party urged Prime Minister Modi to end his silence and clarify these issues to the nation. The party demanded an all-party meeting to discuss these developments and a special session of Parliament to formulate a new and robust roadmap for India's foreign policy.
Congress argues that while organizations responsible for terrorist attacks in India receive support from Pakistan, honoring their army chief on international platforms is unfortunate for India.
Demand for a Response from the Ministry of External Affairs
Congress leaders also questioned the Ministry of External Affairs' response to these events. They asked whether the Indian government officially protested to the US or silently accepted the situation. The party stated that this silence in Indian diplomacy could harm the country's security and reputation in the future.
