Congress Demands PM Modi Break Silence on U.S. Claims of Mediating India-Pakistan Ceasefire
In the wake of escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, the Congress party has intensified its demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions that he played a pivotal role in brokering a ceasefire between the two nations. The opposition party criticizes the Prime Minister’s continued silence on the matter, arguing that it undermines India’s diplomatic stance and raises questions about the nation’s foreign policy autonomy.
Background: The India-Pakistan Ceasefire and U.S. Involvement
Following a series of cross-border hostilities and the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives, India launched Operation Sindoor targeting terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Amidst these developments, President Trump announced on May 10 that the U.S. had successfully mediated a full and immediate ceasefire between India and Pakistan. This claim was further supported by statements from U.S. officials and a press release from the State Department.
While Pakistan acknowledged the U.S.’s role in facilitating the ceasefire, Indian officials maintained that the agreement was a result of direct bilateral negotiations, dismissing any external mediation.
Congress’s Critique and Demands
The Congress party has been vocal in its criticism of Prime Minister Modi’s lack of response to President Trump’s claims. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera highlighted that this was the eighth instance of Trump asserting his involvement in mediating between India and Pakistan, yet the Prime Minister remained silent. Khera emphasized that such silence could be perceived as tacit approval and urged the Prime Minister to clarify India’s position publicly.
Further intensifying the demand, Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh questioned whether the Prime Minister would confirm or deny the U.S. Commerce Secretary’s statement filed in a New York court, which claimed that President Trump used his tariff authority to broker a “tenuous ceasefire” between India and Pakistan.
Calls for Parliamentary Discussion
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan also weighed in, criticizing the government’s handling of the situation and questioning the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s (RSS) stance on the ceasefire. Chavan urged the Prime Minister to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the ceasefire and provide clarity on the government’s actions and decisions during the crisis.
Government’s Position
Despite the mounting pressure, the Indian government has maintained that the ceasefire was a result of direct negotiations with Pakistan, without any external mediation. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, in a briefing to Members of Parliament, emphasized that India had warned the U.S. about potential Pakistani attacks and reiterated India’s commitment to responding firmly to any aggression.
Conclusion
The Congress party’s demand for Prime Minister Modi to address President Trump’s claims underscores the importance of transparency and clarity in foreign policy matters. As debates continue over the nature of the India-Pakistan ceasefire and the extent of U.S. involvement, the Indian government’s response will be crucial in shaping domestic and international perceptions of its diplomatic autonomy and strategic decision-making.
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