Did Trump Force India’s Hand? Congress Questions Modi’s Silence on US Role in Ceasefire

Congress Calls Out Modi Government Over Trump’s Ceasefire Claims

The Congress party is raising eyebrows over US President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions about mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Jairam Ramesh, Congress general secretary for communications, took to X (formerly Twitter) to question Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on their silence regarding the matter.

Did India Sacrifice Security for US Pressure?

Ramesh pointedly asked, “What do the typically loquacious PM and EAM have to say about this revelation? Did they mortgage India’s security interests in the face of US pressure?” His comments come after Trump, while in Saudi Arabia, claimed his administration played a role in brokering the historic ceasefire between the two countries. Ramesh alluded to Trump’s potential use of “carrot-and-stick” tactics, hinting at sanctions and trade deals as leverage.

Congress Leader Sachin Pilot also weighed in, questioning the assurances provided by the Indian government to secure the ceasefire.

Pilot’s Concerns

Sachin Pilot raised concerns about Trump’s repeated statements, stating that they haven’t received a clear and precise response from the Indian government. He criticized Trump for not addressing Pakistan’s role in terrorism, specifically mentioning the Mumbai, Pulwama, and Pahalgam attacks. Pilot also highlighted Trump’s focus on the Kashmir issue, which India considers a bilateral matter. He suggested holding a special session of Parliament to discuss reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Trump’s Comments Spark Debate

Pawan Khera, head of Congress’ media department, highlighted Trump’s comparison of Prime Minister Modi and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, questioning the acceptability of such parallels to the PMO. Trump’s statements have reignited a debate about India’s stance on third-party mediation in resolving the Kashmir issue. While India consistently maintains that Kashmir is a bilateral matter, the Congress party is pressing for clarity from the government regarding the extent of US involvement in the ceasefire.

Background

India and Pakistan have a long history of conflict, with Kashmir being a central point of contention.