In a renewed political offensive, the Indian National Congress has launched sharp criticism at Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not directly refuting claims made by former US President Donald Trump. Trump recently asserted that he was responsible for mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Congress party alleges that PM Modi’s continued silence reflects a weak position and a deliberate attempt to hide facts from the public.

Trump’s Ceasefire Remark Sparks Political Storm

The controversy erupted when Donald Trump stated that he personally intervened to end hostilities between India and Pakistan. According to Trump, PM Modi accepted his appeal to halt the conflict, indicating that his personal diplomacy played a crucial role in de-escalating tensions. He made this statement while returning to Washington aboard Air Force One, claiming his friendship with Modi led to the cessation of military operations.

This declaration has drawn strong reactions in Indian political circles. Critics are demanding that the Indian Prime Minister publicly disprove Trump’s assertion and make India’s stance clear on foreign intervention in bilateral issues.

Jairam Ramesh Demands Clarity from PM Modi

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh expressed his concern through a video shared on social media platform X. In the video, he questioned why PM Modi has not clearly denied Trump’s repeated statements. Ramesh stated that Modi appears reluctant to contradict the former US president, despite having ample opportunities to do so, including in Parliament.

He alleged that PM Modi is avoiding the matter because he is currently in a politically fragile state. According to Ramesh, the prime minister is trying to conceal several issues from the public, and this reluctance to confront Trump’s version of events is just one symptom of a larger pattern of evasion.

Congress Accuses PM Modi of Being Cornered

The Congress party believes that the Prime Minister’s silence is not coincidental. Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media department, intensified the attack by comparing Trump’s influence over Modi to that of a serpent coiled around him. He wrote that Trump continues to tighten his grip, whispering harsh truths in Modi’s ear, yet the prime minister refuses to speak up.

Khera added that opposition leader Rahul Gandhi had provided an easy exit route for Modi during a session in Parliament. Gandhi had openly challenged the PM to stand in Parliament and declare that Donald Trump is not telling the truth. However, according to Congress, Modi’s unwillingness to make this statement speaks volumes about the pressure he is facing.

Modi’s Parliament Response Avoids Direct Denial

After Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, PM Modi responded in the Lok Sabha. He said that no foreign leader had influenced or pressured India to halt Operation Sindoor. This statement, while suggesting India’s autonomy, did not directly contradict Trump’s specific claims.

Congress leaders argue that this ambiguity only fuels speculation and weakens India’s position on international platforms. According to them, the prime minister must clearly state that Trump’s claim is false if India wants to assert its sovereign foreign policy stance.

India Maintains No Third-Party Mediation Policy

India has consistently upheld a firm policy of not accepting third-party mediation in bilateral matters, especially concerning Pakistan. The ceasefire between India and Pakistan was, as per official sources, the result of direct military communication between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of both countries. This agreement had no foreign intervention, according to government sources.

It is reported that Prime Minister Modi had a 35-minute phone conversation with Donald Trump. During this call, Modi is believed to have clearly stated that India does not accept any third-party involvement in its internal or bilateral affairs.

Despite these clarifications by government insiders, the absence of a formal and direct denial from PM Modi has kept the controversy alive. Congress argues that an explicit rebuttal in Parliament or public domain is essential to maintaining India’s diplomatic credibility.

Trump’s Claim: A Diplomatic Embarrassment?

Trump’s claim is seen by many as not just inaccurate but also diplomatically inappropriate. Experts argue that it undermines India’s sovereign decisions and portrays India as susceptible to external influence. For a country that has long projected itself as a self-reliant and autonomous global player, such claims—if left unchallenged—can create misconceptions internationally.

The Congress party is leveraging this situation to question PM Modi’s leadership and international diplomacy approach. They argue that a strong leader would never allow such statements to go unanswered, especially if they distort historical facts or misrepresent diplomatic engagements.

Political Ramifications in India

The timing of Trump’s claim and the Congress party’s attack is significant. With political temperatures rising in India, especially with state and national elections around the corner, any issue involving national pride or diplomatic integrity can become a major talking point.

The BJP, meanwhile, has not issued any aggressive counter-narrative. The ruling party appears to be focusing on highlighting Modi’s larger foreign policy achievements and might be avoiding a direct confrontation over Trump’s remarks to maintain diplomatic balance.

However, Congress continues to press the issue, arguing that Modi’s global image is one thing, but defending the nation’s dignity in the face of misleading claims should be a priority.

What Lies Ahead?

As pressure mounts, political observers are watching whether PM Modi will eventually issue a direct denial or whether the government will let the matter fade without any clear confrontation. Congress is unlikely to let go of the issue, especially with Rahul Gandhi repeatedly mentioning it in Parliament and in public addresses.

The controversy also underscores the increasing influence of international narratives in India’s domestic politics. In an age where a foreign leader’s comment can disrupt political equations at home, the expectations from national leaders to respond swiftly and decisively have become much higher.

If no strong rebuttal comes from the prime minister or the Ministry of External Affairs, the opposition is expected to continue its attacks, making it a recurring theme in the political discourse leading up to the elections.

Donald Trump’s assertion that he stopped a war between India and Pakistan has created a ripple in Indian politics. The Congress party’s aggressive demand for a public denial by PM Modi has escalated the situation. While government sources claim that no foreign intervention occurred and that the ceasefire was purely the result of military dialogue between DGMOs, the lack of a clear and formal denial by the prime minister continues to be questioned. With the issue gaining political momentum, how the ruling party addresses the matter could impact India’s diplomatic image and electoral dynamics in the near future.