KKN Gurugram Desk | A recent political confrontation has erupted between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress over a 1991 military agreement between India and Pakistan. BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of hypocrisy for criticizing External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar regarding Operation Sindoor, while highlighting a past agreement signed during a Congress-supported government that involved sharing military information with Pakistan. The Congress has refuted these allegations, stating that the agreement was signed after they had withdrawn support from the government in question.
Background: Operation Sindoor and Rahul Gandhi’s Critique
Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025, in retaliation for the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. The operation targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK), resulting in the deaths of over 100 terrorists. In response, Pakistan shelled border areas and conducted drone attacks, prompting India to carry out airstrikes on 11 Pakistani airbases. Both countries agreed to cease hostilities on May 10.
Rahul Gandhi criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for allegedly not revealing details about Indian aircraft losses during the operation. Gandhi claimed that informing Pakistan at the start of the attack was a mistake and a “crime,” demanding transparency and accountability from the government.
Nishikant Dubey’s Allegations
In response to Rahul Gandhi’s remarks, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey took to social media to highlight a 1991 agreement between India and Pakistan that involved sharing information about military movements. Dubey pointed out that this agreement was made during a Congress-supported government, questioning whether such an agreement constituted treason.
Dubey stated, “Rahul Gandhi ji, this is an agreement made during the time of your government. In 1991, your party-supported government made an agreement that India and Pakistan would exchange information about any attack or army movement. Is this agreement treason?”
He further accused the Congress of being aligned with a “Pakistani vote bank” and suggested that an FIR should be registered against those who made this agreement, labeling it as an act of treason.
Congress’s Rebuttal
The Congress party dismissed Dubey’s claims, asserting that the agreement in question was signed after they had withdrawn support from the Chandrashekhar government in February 1991. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera stated, “This person needs to know that in late February 1991, Indian National Congress had withdrawn support from the Chandrashekhar govt. Elections to the 10th Lok Sabha had already been announced.”
Congress emphasized that the agreement was meant for peacetime and aimed at avoiding misunderstandings regarding military movements between the two countries. They argued that comparing this agreement to the current situation was misleading and politically motivated.
Details of the 1991 Agreement
The 1991 agreement between India and Pakistan involved the exchange of information about military exercises and movements to prevent misunderstandings and reduce tensions. The agreement stipulated that both countries would notify each other about:
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Types and levels of military exercises
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General areas of exercises on land, air, and sea
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Planned duration of activities
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Number and type of formations participating
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Shifting of forces from other commands or strategic formations
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Movement of strategic formations, including armored divisions, mechanized divisions, air assault divisions, reserve infantry formations, and artillery divisions
Additionally, the agreement specified that naval ships and submarines belonging to either country should not come closer than three nautical miles to each other to avoid accidents while operating in international waters.
Political Implications and Accusations
Dubey’s allegations have intensified the political discourse, with the BJP accusing the Congress of compromising national security and being sympathetic to Pakistan. He cited previous agreements, such as the Nehru-Liaquat Pact of 1950, the Indus Water Treaty, and the Simla Agreement of 1975, as examples of Congress’s concessions to Pakistan.
Conversely, the Congress has accused the BJP of diverting attention from the real issues and failing to provide transparency regarding Operation Sindoor. They argue that the government’s actions and lack of communication have raised concerns about accountability and national security.
The controversy surrounding the 1991 India-Pakistan military pact has reignited political tensions between the BJP and Congress. While the BJP criticizes the Congress for past agreements with Pakistan, the Congress defends its actions as efforts to maintain peace and prevent misunderstandings. The debate highlights the complexities of India’s foreign policy and the challenges of balancing national security with diplomatic relations.
As the political discourse continues, the focus remains on ensuring transparency, accountability, and the safeguarding of India’s national interests.
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