In a fresh political firestorm, the Indian National Congress has launched a pointed critique at Prime Minister Narendra Modi following former US President Donald Trump's repeated assertion that he was asked to mediate between India and Pakistan.
The controversy erupted when Trump, during a recent public appearance, reiterated his claim that former Prime Minister Narendra Modi had sought his intervention in Kashmir matters. "I was asked by Prime Minister Modi to help mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir," Trump stated, echoing similar claims he made during his presidency.
Congress's Sharp Retort
The Congress party was quick to seize the opportunity, taking to social media to deliver a biting response. "No wonder his good friend in New Delhi does not want to hug him," the party tweeted, making a clear reference to PM Modi's much-publicized embraces with world leaders, including Trump during his 2020 visit to India.
The dig appears to highlight the potential embarrassment caused by Trump's repeated claims, which directly contradict India's longstanding position of bilateral resolution of issues with Pakistan without third-party involvement.
Diplomatic Implications
Trump's remarks have significant diplomatic ramifications, particularly given India's consistent stance that the Kashmir issue is strictly bilateral. The Ministry of External Affairs had previously denied Trump's initial claims in 2019, maintaining that no such request for mediation was ever made.
Political analysts suggest that the Congress party's response reflects the ongoing political tension in India, where foreign policy achievements have become a key battleground between the ruling BJP and opposition parties.
Historical Context
This isn't the first time Trump has made such claims. During his presidency in 2019, he had similarly stated that PM Modi had asked him to mediate, triggering immediate denials from New Delhi. The repetition of these claims years later has reignited the political debate.
The Congress party's latest attack underscores the continuing political significance of India's diplomatic relationships and how they're leveraged in domestic political discourse.
The development comes at a time when India-US relations remain crucial for regional stability and economic cooperation, making such public disagreements particularly noteworthy.
