Amid the US-Iran discussions in Islamabad, the Congress criticized the Union government for not preventing the US from assigning Pakistan a new role in the West Asia peace process. Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary Communications In-Charge, expressed concerns on social media about the US-Iran meeting in Islamabad, hoping for a lasting peace process unaffected by Israel’s actions in the region. Ramesh emphasized the importance of restoring peace in West Asia and the need for the Strait of Hormuz to return to its previous state before the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
The reported involvement of Pakistan was highlighted by Ramesh as undermining India’s efforts to diplomatically isolate Islamabad due to terrorism issues. Following the ceasefire announcement, Ramesh cautiously welcomed the two-week ceasefire in the West Asia conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which began with targeted assassinations in Iran. Ramesh linked these events to India’s diplomatic stance, particularly referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel and its impact on India’s global reputation.
Ramesh questioned India’s role in the Gulf conflict-related talks, especially compared to Pakistan, and criticized the lack of peace or mediation initiatives by India despite its position as the current President of BRICS+. He raised concerns about Pakistan’s newfound role in the talks despite past terror attacks and India’s efforts to isolate it diplomatically. Ramesh pointed out a perceived failure in Indian diplomacy, contrasting it with the successful isolation of Pakistan by the Manmohan Singh-led Congress government after the Mumbai terror attacks in 2008.
