NEW DELHI, April 8: The Congress on Wednesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over India's absence from the US-Iran ceasefire, describing Pakistan's role in brokering the deal as a "severe setback" to Modi's "highly personalised diplomacy." The opposition questioned why India, despite Modi's claims of strong ties with the US, Israel, Iran, and Gulf nations, as well as holding the BRICS+ presidency, was not involved in the negotiations.
Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted Modi's silence on Israel's actions in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, calling it a demonstration of "cowardice."
Ramesh contrasted Modi's approach with former PM Manmohan Singh's post-Mumbai terror attacks diplomacy, asserting that India's attempt to isolate Pakistan had failed while Pakistan, despite its challenges, played a key role in securing the ceasefire. He also criticized the sudden halt of "Op Sindoor" in May 2025, noting that the US had claimed credit for it repeatedly, questioning India's strategic clarity.
Ramesh further mocked Modi's claims of global stature, saying the Prime Minister's "56-inch chest" had "shrunk and shrivelled" amid India's lack of influence in the ceasefire talks. He referenced the "papa ne war rukwa di" promotional video from March 2024, which suggested India had intervened in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, questioning why a similar role was absent in the US-Iran negotiations.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also condemned the West's rhetoric on the Iran conflict, saying it revealed moral hypocrisy and praising the courage of Iranian citizens forming human chains around national resources.
The ceasefire, agreed late Tuesday between the US and Iran, includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump announced the agreement on Truth Social, citing Pakistani mediation by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, which prompted him to delay planned strikes on Iranian infrastructure. Iran's Supreme National Security Council accepted the ceasefire, with negotiations set to begin in Pakistan on Friday.
The deal de-escalates tensions in the Gulf region, though neither side specified when hostilities would formally cease, with attacks reported in Israel, Iran, and surrounding areas early Wednesday. Congress emphasized India's sidelined role and raised questions about Modi's diplomatic strategy and claims of international influence. (PTI)