In a critical take on the current state of India’s foreign policy, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has pointed fingers at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its handling of diplomatic relations amid Pakistan’s emerging role as a mediator between the United States and Iran. Ramesh’s comments, shared on X (formerly Twitter), highlight his concerns regarding Pakistan’s recent resurgence on the international stage, suggesting it underscores failures in India’s diplomatic narrative and engagement strategies.
Describing Pakistan as a nation where “democracy is a farce,” Ramesh characterized its economy as “a basket case” reliant on international financial support from institutions like the IMF, and allies such as China and Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that Pakistan has long been perceived as a “haven for terrorists” that poses threats to neighboring countries globally. Notably, he referenced the tough stances taken by successive U.S. presidents-including Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden-towards Islamabad, which he believes emphasizes a historical context of Pakistan’s diplomatic isolation.
Ramesh argued that despite the shift in Pakistan’s global standing following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, the country has seemingly regained traction in international relations. He cited External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s description of Pakistan as a “dalal,” or broker, to illustrate his point about the alleged “colossal failure” of the Modi government’s foreign policy, even against the backdrop of India’s military accomplishments like “Operation Sindoor.”
The Congress leader also identified U.S. President Donald Trump, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly praised as a “good friend,” as contributing to Pakistan’s improved diplomatic standing. Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister’s apparent contradictory approach, despite showcasing a close relationship with Washington during prominent events such as the Howdy Modi rally in Houston in 2019 and the Namaste Trump event in Ahmedabad in 2020. He expressed bewilderment over how Modi could “allow this to happen” amidst efforts to fortify ties with the U.S.
Additionally, Ramesh criticized the government’s efforts to gain favor with the U.S., particularly noting a trade deal that, according to him, betrayed India’s farmers by granting American agricultural interests significant market access without securing substantial diplomatic leverage in return. He asserted that the attempts at international engagement, especially those highlighted by Modi’s frequent claims of personal outreach to world leaders, have led to what he termed an “unraveling” of India’s foreign policy-a strategy overly driven by personality rather than substantive diplomatic achievements.
In summarizing his points, Ramesh dismissed the Prime Minister’s self-proclaimed “Vishwaguru” image as mere posturing, labeling it a “Vishwaphoney.” His remarks encapsulate growing concerns within the Indian National Congress about the effectiveness of the current administration’s foreign policy, amid evolving international dynamics involving Pakistan, the U.S., and the broader West Asian region.
The political discourse around foreign policy continues to shape public opinion, and this critique from Ramesh fuels ongoing discussions about India’s position on the global stage and the challenges it faces in diplomatic relationships.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/jairam-ramesh-slams-modi-governments-foreign-policy-over-pakistans-renewed-global-acceptance/article70799588.ece
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Publish Date: 2026-03-30 02:19:00
