Jairam Ramesh criticises the ‘silence’ of the Indian government on Israel’s actions in West Asia and statements made by Donald Trump during the conflict
NEW DELHI — Calling Pakistan’s involvement in brokering a ceasefire between the United States and Iran a “serious setback” for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday sharply criticised the Union government’s foreign policy.
The Congress leader’s remarks came as US President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to attacks on Iran and accepted parts of Tehran’s 10-point proposal, while Iran agreed to limited passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Pakistan hosted talks between the two nations, facilitating this temporary truce. Taking to X, Ramesh directly questioned India’s global diplomatic standing, tweeting, “The entire world will cautiously welcome the two-week ceasefire.” He argued that Pakistan’s role “is a severe setback to both the substance and style” of Modi’s diplomacy.
Furthermore, Ramesh highlighted the Indian government’s “silence” regarding Israel’s actions in West Asia and Trump’s statements during the conflict.
Pakistan has hosted talks between the two sides and played a role in facilitating the temporary truce.
Taking a direct swipe at Prime Minister Modi, Ramesh, in a tweet on X, questioned India’s global diplomatic standing.
“The entire world will cautiously welcome the two-week ceasefire,” he said, adding that Pakistan’s role “is a severe setback to both the substance and style” of Modi’s diplomacy.
He further criticised the “silence” of the Indian government on Israel’s actions in West Asia and statements made by Trump during the conflict.
Referring to Modi as a “self-styled Vishwaguru”, Ramesh said the prime minister’s global image “stands exposed” in light of recent developments.
The Congress leader argued that India’s long-standing policy of isolating Pakistan internationally has not worked as intended.
“The policy to isolate Pakistan… has clearly not succeeded,” he said, contrasting it with the diplomatic approach taken under former prime minister Manmohan Singh after the Mumbai terror attacks.
He added that Pakistan, despite being a “financially struggling country”, was able to position itself as a mediator in a major global conflict, raising concerns about India’s strategy.
Ramesh also questioned Modi’s pre-war visit to Israel and accused the government of not speaking out strongly on the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Iran.
He said the prime minister “has said nothing” about Israel’s actions and criticised what he called “unacceptable language” used by Trump during the crisis.
“There is a palpable sigh of relief everywhere,” Ramesh said about the ceasefire, but added that India’s voice has been missing on key global issues.
Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif welcomed the ceasefire and invited delegations from both the US and Iran to Islamabad for further negotiations aimed at reaching a permanent agreement.
“I warmly welcome the gesture and invite their delegations… to negotiate a conclusive agreement,” Sharif said.
The talks are expected to begin soon as both sides attempt to finalise terms after weeks of escalating conflict. — With inputs from Agencies
