Congress Urges Modi to Denounce Trump's Ceasefire Claims

New Delhi, Jul 30 (PTI) - On Wednesday, the Congress stepped up its criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of dodging an unequivocal denial of US President Donald Trump's repeated claims of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Congress suggested that the Prime Minister might have things to hide.

The Opposition didn't hold back, with Trump claiming responsibility for brokering a ceasefire between the two South Asian nations. The American leader's assertions did not sit well with the Congress, who humorously portrayed Trump as constantly lurking around Modi, whispering uncomfortable truths.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge questioned the Prime Minister’s reticence, stating it suggests there might be something suspicious at play. Kharge emphasized India's longstanding position against third-party mediation in disputes with Pakistan, asking why the government may have disregarded it.

He pointed out that during his two-hour speech, Modi avoided mentioning Trump altogether, missing an opportunity to condemn statements that could tarnish India’s image.

These remarks followed Trump's declaration on Air Force One, returning to Washington from Scotland, where he reiterated his hand in peace-making efforts between India and Pakistan.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh shared a video of Trump’s comments, questioning why Modi won't definitively reject Trump's claims. Ramesh opined that Modi finds himself precarious, likely due to hidden political liabilities.

Through social media, Congress's Pawan Khera also weighed in, metaphorically depicting Trump as persistently wrapped around Modi. Khera suggested that Modi stubbornly ignored timely advice from Rahul Gandhi to dismiss Trump's claim as false.

Also, Trump's acknowledgment of potentially higher tariffs between India and the US hinted at tension beneath diplomatic niceties, in spite of referring to both India and Modi as friends.

In a sharp critique within the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi dared Modi to boldly contradict Trump’s ceasefire narrative. Gandhi pointed out that Modi’s remarks did not directly address Trump's repeated claims, lacking the directness Congress deemed necessary.

Despite Modi affirming in Parliament that external leaders hadn't influenced India's strategies, he criticized domestic opposition for not rallying behind Indian military efforts.

Highlighting Trump's media narratives since May 10, India has countered these claims by maintaining that the ease of hostilities arose from direct discussions between Indian and Pakistani military leaders.

In a phone dialogue with Trump, Modi reasserted India's staunch objection to any mediation and clarified the initiation of talks on de-escalation came from Pakistan.

The recent military operation, “Operation Sindoor,” began on May 7 as a rebuttal to attacks from Pakistan, culminating in a strategic ceasefire on May 10.

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