Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has accused the United States of delivering “three huge setbacks” to Indian diplomacy, calling them serious challenges that warrant a unified political response. He urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting and involve Parliament in shaping the national response.
Speaking to ANI on Thursday, Ramesh—Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications—cited three recent developments that he said raised “severe and serious questions” about U.S. policy toward India:
Pakistan Praised as ‘Phenomenal Partner’ by U.S. Central Command: Ramesh criticised U.S. CENTCOM chief Gen. Michael Kurilla’s recent remarks in the House Armed Services Committee, where he referred to Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counterterrorism.
“This is the same Pakistan where Osama bin Laden was found hiding for a decade and was killed in Abbottabad. Calling it a phenomenal counterterrorism partner is utterly bizarre,” he said.
Invitation to Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for U.S. Army Day: Ramesh expressed outrage over General Asim Munir being invited to the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary on June 14, calling the invitation “disturbing” in light of Munir’s recent “provocative language” referencing the two-nation theory and his perceived role in stoking anti-India sentiment prior to the Pahalgam terror attack.
“The same man who uses inflammatory rhetoric is now a guest of honour. It’s unacceptable,” Ramesh said.
Reaffirmation of Trump and Rubio’s Role in India-Pakistan Engagement: Ramesh also took issue with the U.S. State Department spokesperson reiterating former President Donald Trump and Senator Marco Rubio’s roles in past India-Pakistan dialogue efforts.
“This narrative reduces India’s agency and plays into outdated diplomatic tropes,” he said.
Ramesh called for a special Parliament session and direct engagement with opposition parties, urging the Prime Minister to move beyond politics and prioritize governance.
“The Prime Minister must take political parties into confidence. Not just individuals — political parties are the anchors of our democracy. Governance demands collective will and consultation.”
He criticised the Modi government for failing to adopt a bipartisan approach to foreign policy challenges and warned that India must respond with strategic clarity and national unity.
The controversy comes as Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir is reportedly visiting Washington, D.C., to attend the U.S. Army’s anniversary celebrations, which coincide with a large military parade on June 14 featuring 6,600 soldiers, 150 vehicles, and over 50 aircraft.
The developments have stirred unease within sections of India’s political spectrum, prompting renewed scrutiny of U.S.-India-Pakistan diplomatic dynamics.
Ramesh concluded by asserting that the path forward lies in transparency, institutional dialogue, and responsible foreign policy decision-making that includes all major stakeholders.
