The Congress party on Tuesday claimed that reports of Pakistan acting as an intermediary in ongoing communications between the United States, Israel and Iran could signal a diplomatic setback for India if confirmed.
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said that several international media reports have suggested Pakistan’s involvement as a channel of communication between the rival sides amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“If these reports are true, they represent a severe setback and rebuff to India — and it is all attributable to the self-styled Vishwaguru,” Ramesh said in a post on X.
Congress Questions India’s Diplomatic Position
Ramesh argued that despite India’s claimed military successes in Operation Sindoor, Pakistan has gained an upper hand diplomatically in recent months.
“For over a year, it has been clear that after our military successes, Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement and narrative management have been markedly superior to that of the Modi government,” he said.
He added that Pakistan, which was earlier facing political, economic and global challenges, has now regained relevance on the international stage.
“Pakistan, which was in a precarious situation, has received a fresh lease of life,” he said.
Allegations of US-Pakistan Proximity
The Congress leader also pointed to what he described as growing closeness between Pakistan’s establishment and Donald Trump.
He alleged that Trump had engaged warmly with Pakistan’s military leadership, including hosting Army Chief Asim Munir at the White House.
“The Pakistani establishment has developed a cosy relationship with President Trump’s immediate circle,” Ramesh claimed.
Criticism of Modi Government’s West Asia Policy
Ramesh further criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, particularly over his recent visit to Israel shortly before the escalation of the conflict.
“Modi’s ill-advised visit to Israel… will go down as a disastrous choice — one that has made us retreat from a position where we could have mediated,” he said, adding that the Prime Minister’s “huglomacy stands exposed.”
US-Iran Talks Remain Uncertain
Meanwhile, Trump said the United States is in contact with a senior Iranian figure to explore a possible end to the conflict, now in its third week. However, he did not reveal the identity of the individual.
He also clarified that Washington is not in talks with Mojtaba Khamenei, son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Iran, however, denied that any talks are taking place. Officials in Tehran described such claims as “fake news” and accused the US of using them to influence global financial and oil markets.
Conflict Continues to Escalate
The ongoing war began after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, leading to a sharp escalation in the region. Iran has since retaliated with attacks across the Gulf, widening the conflict and raising global concerns.
The White House has declined to confirm reports of any possible meetings between US and Iranian representatives in Islamabad, stating that the situation remains sensitive and fluid.
