The Congress on Friday renewed its attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi after former United States President Donald Trump once again claimed that he had played a role in easing tensions between India and Pakistan. The opposition party questioned the Prime Minister’s continued silence on the matter, calling it troubling and politically significant.
Congress leaders said Trump, whom the ruling party has often described as a close friend of India, has repeatedly made statements suggesting US involvement in India Pakistan engagements. They argued that such claims undermine India’s long-standing position that bilateral issues with Pakistan are resolved without third-party mediation.
Reacting to Trump’s latest remarks, the Congress said the Prime Minister’s refusal to issue a clear rebuttal raises serious questions about India’s diplomatic messaging. Senior party leaders pointed out that Trump is nearing his eighties but continues to repeat the same claims, which they said demand an official response from the Indian government.
The Congress reiterated that India’s foreign policy has consistently rejected any external role in discussions with Pakistan, especially on sensitive issues such as Jammu and Kashmir. The party accused the government of selectively responding to international statements while remaining silent when inconvenient claims are made by global leaders friendly to the ruling establishment.
Trump has, on several occasions since his presidency, claimed that he helped reduce tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly after the 2019 crisis following the Pulwama terror attack and Balakot air strikes. India has previously denied any third-party mediation, stating that all matters between India and Pakistan are bilateral.
The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party has dismissed the Congress criticism, maintaining that India’s position on Pakistan remains unchanged and firmly rooted in bilateral dialogue. BJP leaders said repeated clarifications have already been issued in the past and that there is no need to respond to every statement made by foreign political figures.
Political analysts say the issue has resurfaced at a time when foreign policy and national security are key political talking points. They note that opposition parties are using Trump’s remarks to question the government’s diplomatic handling and communication strategy.
The Ministry of External Affairs has earlier stated that India has not sought nor accepted any mediation on its disputes with Pakistan. However, no fresh official statement was issued following Trump’s latest comments, which has allowed the opposition to intensify its criticism.
As the political debate continues, the Congress has demanded that the Prime Minister clearly state India’s position in Parliament and reassure the public that there has been no deviation from established foreign policy principles. Whether the government will respond directly to Trump’s remarks remains to be seen.
