The Congress party on Wednesday criticised the Modi government following Pakistan’s involvement as a mediator in the US-Iran ceasefire, calling it a blow to the Prime Minister’s “highly personalised diplomacy.” The reaction comes after the United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire following 40 days of intense fighting, just hours after US President Donald Trump issued a warning concerning the Strait of Hormuz.
Congress Calls It a ‘Severe Setback’ for Modi’s Diplomacy
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh stated on X that Pakistan’s role in facilitating the US-Iran ceasefire undermines India’s long-standing efforts to diplomatically isolate Islamabad over alleged support for terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
Ramesh drew comparisons to the aftermath of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, claiming the previous UPA government led by Manmohan Singh successfully isolated Pakistan internationally. He added that the current developments question Prime Minister Modi’s strategy of engagement and narrative management.
Also read ; West Bengal Assembly Election 2026: Mamata Banerjee Files Nomination from Bhabanipur
“That a country with a fragile economy and dependence on external donors was able to play such a role calls into question the effectiveness of Modi’s diplomacy during the US-Iran ceasefire negotiations,” Ramesh said.
Questions Over ‘Op Sindoor’ and US Leadership
Ramesh also criticised the Modi government for the abrupt halt of “Op Sindoor” in May 2025, highlighting that initial announcements came from US officials, not India. He accused the Prime Minister of staying silent on key global developments, including Israel’s actions and remarks by US leadership, which have played a part in shaping the US-Iran ceasefire outcomes.
Pakistan to Host Key Peace Talks
Diplomatic efforts are set to continue with the US-Iran ceasefire talks scheduled in Islamabad on Friday. Iran’s National Security Council confirmed that discussions with Washington would proceed based on Tehran’s 10-point proposal aimed at ending the conflict.
Strait of Hormuz Central to the Truce
The ceasefire remains conditional, with President Trump insisting on the “complete, immediate and safe opening” of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil transit route linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Iran’s partial blockade of the strait, imposed after US and Israeli strikes on February 28, had disrupted global trade, increased oil prices, and triggered worldwide fuel shortages. Analysts say the US-Iran ceasefire could stabilise oil markets if the conditions are fully implemented.