Congress Raises Questions on India's Stance After PM Modi's Address: Did India Accept U.S. Mediation?

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address on Operation Sindoor, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh raised a series of critical questions about India's approach to international diplomacy, particularly in relation to the U.S.. Ramesh questioned whether India had accepted America's mediation in the ongoing India-Pakistan issue, something the Prime Minister's speech did not address.

Key Questions Raised by Congress Leader

Jairam Ramesh took to Twitter, asking the following pointed questions:

• Has India accepted U.S. mediation?
• Has India agreed to a neutral location for talks with Pakistan?
• Will India now comply with U.S. demands to open its markets in sectors like automobiles and agriculture?

Ramesh emphasized that PM Modi had not made any mention of these issues during his address, despite the recent comments made by U.S. President Donald Trump, which overshadowed the Prime Minister's speech. Trump had claimed credit for helping bring about a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, boasting about stopping the war by leveraging the threat of withdrawing business ties with both countries.

Trump's Statement on Ceasefire and U.S. Role

Trump, speaking on the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, said, "I am proud to have stopped the war", referring to his involvement in brokering peace between the two nations. He further stated, "Both countries have a lot of nuclear weapons," and warned that without a ceasefire, "we will not do business." His comments seemed to position the U.S. as a mediator, a role India has traditionally been reluctant to accept.

PM Modi's Clear Stance on Terrorism

In his address, Prime Minister Modi reiterated India's firm stance against terrorism, especially regarding Pakistan's role. He declared that "terror, trade, and talk cannot happen together", a direct reference to Pakistan's continuous support for terrorism while engaging in trade talks with India. Modi stressed that India's military response under Operation Sindoor was a powerful message to Pakistan, aiming to dismantle terror havens like Bahawalpur and Muridke.

Congress' Call for Clarity from PM Modi

While Congress acknowledged the bravery of the Indian Armed Forces and their contribution to the country's pride, Jairam Ramesh emphasized the importance of clear diplomacy in the coming months. He stated, "The Prime Minister still has many questions to answer" regarding India’s foreign policy approach and its stance on talks with Pakistan, especially in the context of U.S. influence. He also stressed the need for a meeting with political leaders to discuss these sensitive matters.

Diplomacy vs. Military Response

While the PM's speech focused heavily on the military aspects of Operation Sindoor, Congress is urging the government to provide more clarity on the diplomatic side of things. As Ramesh pointed out, careful diplomacy is needed, especially considering the evolving geopolitical dynamics and international pressure.