Congress MP Jairam Ramesh Slams Trump's Pakistan Support, Highlights India's Diplomatic Setbacks
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Saturday strongly criticized US President Donald Trump, raising significant concerns over India's diplomatic challenges following Washington's recent endorsement of Pakistan amid the escalating Afghanistan conflict. Reacting to Trump's remarks that praised Pakistan's leadership, Ramesh expressed his disapproval on social media platform X, labeling the situation a setback for Indian diplomacy.
Ramesh's Critique of Trump's Remarks and Indian 'Huglomacy'
In his post, Ramesh wrote, "President Trump's full-throated and categorical support for Pakistan in its war with Afghanistan is another setback for Indian 'huglomacy.' He has once again gone out of his way to praise the man whose inflammatory remarks provided the backdrop to the terrorist attacks in Pahalgam on April 22nd, 2025 that were orchestrated by Pakistan." This statement underscores Ramesh's view that Trump's alignment with Pakistan undermines India's diplomatic efforts and security concerns.
Economic and Strategic Diplomacy Failures Highlighted
Ramesh also pointed to economic concerns stemming from India-US trade engagements. He elaborated, "Our economic diplomacy with the US has failed badly, as evinced by Mr. Modi suddenly surrendering to a clearly one-sided trade deal in which India has made firm pledges especially to import from American farmers, while the US has made vague commitments to allow for greater exports from India. Not only that, days after the agreement, the US imposed a 125.87% import duty on solar modules from India." This critique highlights perceived imbalances in trade relations.
On strategic diplomacy, the Congress leader added, "Our strategic diplomacy has received repeated blows by President Trump repeatedly cozying up to the Pakistani establishment and reverting to the hyphenation of India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister may, through his means, manage to get awards. But the fact is that the self-declared Vishwaguru has been exposed and the world, especially the US, has got his measure." Ramesh argues that Trump's actions have weakened India's global standing and strategic partnerships.
Background: Trump's Praise and US Support for Pakistan
The remarks follow Trump's praise for Pakistan's Chief of Defence Forces, Asim Munir, and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif during Islamabad's ongoing conflict with the Taliban. At a White House briefing, Trump stated, "Well, I would [intervene], but I get along with Pakistan, as you know, very well. Very, very well. You have a great prime minister, you have a great general there, you have a great leader. I think two of the people that I really respect a lot. I think Pakistan is doing terrifically well."
Subsequently, US Under Secretary of State Allison Hooker reinforced Washington's backing for Islamabad, writing on X, "Spoke today with Pakistan Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch to express condolences for lives lost in the recent conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban. We continue to monitor the situation closely and expressed support for Pakistan's right to defend itself against Taliban attacks."
Escalation in Afghanistan-Pakistan Conflict
The escalation comes after Pakistan conducted airstrikes on Afghan cities this week, marking its most significant military action since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Taliban retaliation triggered further Pakistani strikes, with defence minister Khawaja Asif declaring that Pakistan was now in an "open war" with Afghanistan.
While countries like the UK have urged de-escalation, China called for a ceasefire, and Iran offered to mediate, India has maintained a close watch over developments. The New Delhi government has repeatedly denied any US role in facilitating ceasefires between India and Pakistan, attributing progress to direct bilateral talks.
This situation highlights ongoing tensions in South Asia and the complex dynamics of international diplomacy affecting India's foreign policy under the current administration.
