As crucial talks between the United States and Iran commences in Islamabad on Saturday, the Congress party voiced cautious optimism over prospects for peace while launching a sharp critique of the Centre’s foreign policy, raising what it termed “serious questions” about India’s strategic positioning in a rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.
In a statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said the meeting raises hopes globally, including in India, that it could mark “the beginning of a durable peace process” between Washington and Tehran. However, he warned that such efforts must not be “derailed by Israel’s continuing aggression in its neighbourhood.”
Ramesh used the occasion to question what he described as inconsistencies and missed opportunities in the government’s diplomatic approach, taking aim at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his outreach strategies.
Referring to the Prime Minister’s past high-profile engagements, he remarked that “serious questions about the substance and style of the self-declared Vishwaguru’s ‘huglomacy’ arise” in light of recent developments.
The Congress leader expressed concern over Pakistan’s role as host of the talks, asking how Islamabad had managed to “carve out a new role for itself” despite its alleged involvement in the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent diplomatic efforts to isolate it.
He contrasted the current situation with the period following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, stating that the government led by Manmohan Singh had then “very effectively isolated Pakistan.”
Ramesh also questioned India’s engagement with the United States, arguing that despite extensive public diplomacy efforts—including high-visibility events and political messaging—the government had failed to secure strategic leverage.
He alleged that India had agreed to a “clearly one-sided trade deal” while gaining little in return, even as Washington accorded Pakistan a renewed diplomatic role.
Further, he criticized the government for not utilizing India’s current leadership position in BRICS to initiate peace or mediation efforts, noting that key regional players such as Iran, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are members of the grouping.
“Why didn’t India… launch any peace initiative” he asked, suggesting that New Delhi had missed an opportunity to assert diplomatic leadership.
Ramesh also raised concerns about India’s approach towards China, referring to what he described as “calibrated capitulation” over the past eighteen months. He linked this to Beijing’s continued support for Pakistan, particularly in the context of recent regional tensions and Islamabad’s response to Operation Sindoor.
Emphasizing the broader stakes, the Congress leader called for an urgent restoration of stability in West Asia. “Peace in West Asia must return quickly,” he said, adding that the strategic Strait of Hormuz should revert to normalcy following recent hostilities. He also criticized the timing of the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Israel, describing it as “ill-advised and ill-timed” in the context of escalating tensions that followed soon after.
The statement reflects the Congress party’s continued efforts to challenge the government’s foreign policy narrative, even as global attention remains focused on whether the Islamabad talks can ease tensions in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
