New Delhi: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a rally in Bihar, accusing him of stopping India’s military strikes against terror camps in Pakistan just five hours after receiving a 24-hour ultimatum from U.S. President Donald Trump.
Gandhi summons Trump’s claim to challenge India’s agency
Trump had recently claimed he intervened in the India–Pakistan conflict—issuing trade threats and demanding a ceasefire within 24 hours. Gandhi seized on this, alleging that Modi “obeyed promptly,” cancelling strikes within five hours, thereby raising concerns about the influence of foreign pressure over the nation’s strategic decisions.
Government’s rebuttal emphasises sovereignty
India’s leadership has consistently denied third-party involvement. Prime Minister Modi stated unequivocally that no global leader ever asked India to halt Operation Sindoor, affirming the country’s autonomy in defence matters. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also reiterated that the ceasefire was reached solely through talks between military officials.
Political friction intensifies
Gandhi’s remarks have added fresh urgency to a debate that has persisted politically for weeks. The Congress has used Trump’s repeated claims to question Modi’s credibility and decision-making. Earlier criticism saw Rahul describing Modi’s silence on these claims—even in Parliament—as a failure of leadership, suggesting that responding definitively would uphold national credibility.
Conclusion
As the political battle deepens, the debate over Operation Sindoor underscores broader concerns about India’s sovereignty and foreign policy independence. With voices demanding clarity, the contest is not just over military strategy—but also over the narrative of national respect and self-governance.