Rahul Gandhi Questions India’s Foreign Policy: A Political Storm Brews
In a sharp escalation of political tension, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a scathing attack on External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, alleging the collapse of India’s foreign policy. Citing a recent interview of the minister to a foreign journalist, Gandhi raised three critical questions that have stirred a nationwide debate.
This latest outburst by the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha not only puts India’s global diplomacy under scrutiny but also signals deepening cracks in the domestic political landscape amid sensitive international engagements.
Rahul Gandhi’s Three Tough Questions to EAM Jaishankar
In a strongly worded post shared by the Congress party on their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Rahul Gandhi posed:
Why is India being equated with Pakistan internationally?
Why didn’t even a single country support India in condemning Pakistan?
Who asked U.S. President Donald Trump to mediate between India and Pakistan?
These questions were accompanied by a video clip of Dr. Jaishankar’s interview where he appears visibly cautious in responding to Trump’s mediation remarks—a point the Congress highlighted by asking, “Why is he fumbling?”
The “JJ” Jibe: Personal or Political?
Rahul Gandhi referred to Dr. Jaishankar as “JJ,” a moniker which some Congress members later clarified stood for “Jaychand Jaishankar“, alluding to a historical traitor figure in Indian folklore. The BJP quickly countered by branding Gandhi a “modern-day Mir Jafar,” a term similarly loaded with accusations of betrayal.
This tit-for-tat name-calling has sparked outrage and humor alike across political and public circles, with many questioning if such rhetoric serves the national interest, especially when military operations like Operation Sindoor are ongoing.
Trump’s Mediation Claim and India’s Clarification
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed on several occasions that he played a role in diffusing tensions between India and Pakistan. Although the Indian government officially rejected any third-party mediation, the lack of a strong rebuttal in Jaishankar’s interview has fueled doubts.
India maintains that it halted military escalation only after Pakistan’s DGMO (Director General of Military Operations) reached out for de-escalation—a stance now blurred by Rahul Gandhi’s probing questions.
BJP Defends Jaishankar, Slams Gandhi
The BJP didn’t waste time retaliating. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia accused Rahul Gandhi of undermining national security and demoralizing the armed forces.
“When Operation Sindoor is in full force, Gandhi is asking how many IAF jets have crashed. Is this how a responsible leader speaks?” Bhatia asked during a press conference.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also weighed in, saying that Pakistan has assured it will abstain from any military or terrorist actions, which led India to reconsider further strikes. This was interpreted as India seeking de-escalation without compromise—a stance not everyone in the opposition agrees with.
A Larger Question: Is India’s Global Standing in Peril?
Rahul Gandhi’s allegations hint at a deeper concern—India’s perceived isolation on global platforms. The fact that no country publicly supported India in its recent condemnation of Pakistan has raised alarms within policy circles.
If true, this lack of international backing reflects a significant challenge to India’s diplomatic strategies, especially under a government that has prided itself on strong global ties.
Public Reaction: Divided and Vocal
The Indian public remains deeply polarized. While BJP supporters applaud the government’s decisiveness, critics argue that transparency and accountability in foreign policy are essential in a democracy.
Rahul Gandhi’s supporters see his questions as legitimate concerns aimed at protecting India’s international dignity, while detractors accuse him of playing into Pakistan’s narrative during a sensitive time.
