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The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
India stands insulted, isolated on global stage, says Congress
The Congress on Friday (June 6, 2025) said India stands diplomatically 'isolated', and the biggest failure of the foreign policy is that the government couldn't organise meetings of all-party delegations sent abroad 'with heads of states or influential people'. The party said even India's all-weather partners had not spoken a word in the country's favour, and wondered what the nation gained from such an exercise. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate claimed that India is being 'insulted' all over the world due to the 'failed foreign policy' of the Modi government. Ms. Shrinate pointed to how U.S. President Donald Trump had been repeatedly taking credit for the 'ceasefire' between India and Pakistan, and how 'our all-weather friends are distancing themselves from us'. 'In a complete collapse of India's foreign policy, it's no longer just President Trump taking credit for the ceasefire between India and Pakistan, but now even our all-weather ally Russia believes Trump mediated the ceasefire,' Ms. Shrinate said, adding, 'Modi ji's silence is deafening'. 'Failure of foreign policy' Referring to the multi-party diplomatic delegations that visited various countries to convey India's stand following Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack, she said these delegations couldn't say much on foreign soil but as the principal Opposition party, the Congress will raise questions. 'The question we are raising is this: these delegations went overseas, and it turned out to be a complete failure of our foreign policy, as we were not able to get them a single meeting with people of consequence. How many countries have spoken in our favour after these delegation trips,' Ms. Shrinate asked. Also read: Operation Sindoor — a reshaping of confrontation Ms. Shrinate pointed out that Pakistan had not only got a role in multilateral agencies such as the United Nations but financial aid from institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank (WB). 'Mute spectators' 'These are institutions where India once yielded significant influence but are now mute spectators,' she said. 'It (Pakistan) is getting the opportunity to be represented in global institutions; global institutions are giving it financial aid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not even glance towards Kashmir in the last 45 days, but today he has reached Kashmir to cut the ribbon (to open the Chenab bridge and launch other projects).' Drawing parallels between the Congress-led UPA government's handling of the 26/11 attacks with the way the Modi government handled the Pahalgam terror attack, Ms. Shrinate said each and every terrorist was killed and brought to book in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. 'What happened to the dreaded terrorists who killed so many people in Pahalgam? Why are they still at large?' she asked. Separately, senior Congress leader Abhishek Singhvi took to social media to slam the appointment of Pakistan as the vice-chair of a UN panel on terrorism. 'Amazing and unbelievable. #Pak chairing and co-chairing #UN #SecurityCouncil panels on anti-terror! Worse than making Dracula head of a blood bank!! And sadly, some failure in our foreign policy on both counts: that enough nations are not speaking out for us & also that we are unable to delay and thwart such ridiculous appointments…,' Mr. Singhvi said on X. Amazing and unbelievable. #Pak chairing and co chairing #UN#SecurityCouncil panels on anti terror! Worse than making Dracula head of a blood bank!! And sadly, some failure in our foreign policy on both counts: that enuff nations not speaking out for us & also that we are unable… — Abhishek Singhvi (@DrAMSinghvi) June 6, 2025
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Biggest failure': Congress questions achievements of govt delegations sent abroad
New Delhi, The Congress on Friday claimed that the "biggest failure" of the government's foreign policy was its inability to arrange meetings of its delegations sent abroad with heads of states or influential people and asked what the country got out of the exercise. The opposition party alleged that India is being "insulted" all over the world due to the " failed foreign policy " of the Modi government. Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate said Canada did not invite India for the G-7 meeting, US President Donald Trump is constantly taking credit for the "ceasefire" between India and Pakistan, India has become isolated and "our all-weather friends are distancing themselves from us". by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If You Eat Ginger Everyday for 1 Month This is What Happens Tips and Tricks Undo The party's social media department head also claimed that big countries are being seen in India's enemy's camp and Pakistan which "we had completely sidelined is roaming around like a hero today". "It is getting the opportunity to be represented in global institutions, global institutions are giving it financial aid. Prime Minister Narendra Modi did not even glance towards Kashmir in the last 45 days, but today he has reached Kashmir to cut the ribbon," Shrinate said at a press conference at the Indira Gandhi Bhawan here. Live Events In such a situation, many questions arise in the mind of the whole country, she said. "After being in power for more than 11 years and visiting more than 90 countries, we have gained nothing due to the failed foreign policy of Narendra Modi," she alleged. Referring to the multi-party diplomatic delegations that visited various countries to convey India's stand following Operation Sindoor, she said, "When you represent the country overseas, you are restrained. There are many things you want to say, but you can't on foreign soil. The delegations might not have been able to say, but we certainly will." "The question we are raising is this: these delegations went overseas, and it turned out to be a complete failure of our foreign policy, as we were not able to get them a single meeting with people of consequence," Shrinate said. How many countries have spoken in our favour after these delegation trips, she asked. "How many have denounced Pakistan? Kuwait has lifted a 19-year ban on Pakistani visas. How is that okay? The delegations have come back and admitted that they acted as India's ambassadors there and couldn't speak much on these issues, but back home they will raise them," she said. Interestingly, most of these delegations were made to meet people of Indian origin, Indian embassies and high commissions, Shrinate pointed out. Most of the delegations were able to meet only an under secretary, a former minister, a state level minister, she said. "How about the government addressing its own Parliament? They don't want to call a special session, but they want to address Indians overseas. What kind of doublespeak is this? And what have we achieved with these delegations?" she said. "I have highlighted a string of policy failures, owing to the complete collapse of our foreign policy and for which India is paying a huge price," she added. The leaders of these delegations were seen addressing people of Indian origin and those working in our embassy, Shrinate said and added that they visited museums, UNESCO World Heritage Site, churches, there was singing and dancing and there were big dinners. "In such a situation, the question is that - what concrete achievement did we get from this? Why could you not arrange a meeting of the delegation with the heads of states? How many countries came out in our favour and issued a statement? How many countries condemned Pakistan, which gives shelter to terrorists?" she said. How many countries are openly standing with us, she went on to ask. According to Shrinate, Trump has said nine times in videos and posted twice on X that he got a ceasefire done between India and Pakistan by threatening the two countries with stopping trade. "This is a threat to our sovereignty, but 'sindoor ke saudagar' is silent against it, not a single word is coming out of his mouth," she said in a swipe against the prime minister. The prime minister is ready to talk on everything, but is not saying anything against these statements of Trump, she said. The situation is such that now even Russia also believes that the US mediated a ceasefire, Shrinate said, referring to a claim made by Vladimir Putin's aide that the recent conflict between India and Pakistan figured during a phone call between the Russian president and Trump and that the hostilities were "stopped with the personal participation" of the US president. "But even today no one knows... why was the ceasefire done? What were the conditions of the ceasefire? Why were the hands of our army tied? The reality is that the silence of the 'surrender' prime minister is screaming that he has done the ceasefire under pressure," Shrinate said. Before 2014, India had isolated Pakistan and started treating it like a terrorist country, she claimed. "The valour and courage of our army defeated Pakistan. But the failed policy of Narendra Modi made Pakistan a hero by agreeing to a ceasefire and surrendering before Donald Trump," she alleged. Noting that it has been 45 days since the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Shrinate said, "I am proud to say that after 26/11, we killed every terrorist one by one. Those who were arrested by our brave soldiers were also hanged. But the cruel terrorists of Pahalgam have not been arrested yet." "Where are those people? Has the earth swallowed them or has the sky eaten them up? Until those terrorists are arrested, the martyrs' families will not get justice.
Hans India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
India's global engagement needs rethink, says Congress
New Delhi: Congress leader Supriya Shrinate, in a press briefing on Friday, expressed concern over what she described as a decline in India's diplomatic engagement and visibility on the global stage. She specifically referred to India's absence from major forums like the G7, despite being among the world's largest economies. Shrinate cited then-US President Barack Obama's 2010 remarks in praise of then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and questioned why countries like Canada now appear hesitant to extend invitations to India for the G7. She interpreted this as a sign of waning diplomatic influence. She also referred to public statements made by US President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly claimed to have brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The Congress spokesperson further said that similar assertions are now being echoed by Russia. She urged the Indian government to respond clearly to these claims, either by refuting them or explaining the context if they are accurate. "The nation deserves clarity," she said, stressing the importance of transparency in foreign affairs. Shrinate also voiced apprehensions over what she viewed as a preference for image-building over substantive diplomacy. She warned against focusing too heavily on symbolic gestures or visual narratives. She, in this context, suggested that a more strategic and consistent foreign policy is needed to safeguard national interests. She expressed concern over "the evolving global perception" of Pakistan. Institutions like the IMF, the ADB, and the World Bank, she noted, have extended significant financial support to Pakistan, while the country has also assumed roles in global bodies such as the UN's Counter-Terrorism Committee. In her view, this is at odds with India's long-standing position on terrorism and reflects a missed opportunity for stronger international advocacy. Commenting on recent international outreach by Indian parliamentary delegations, Shrinate questioned the effectiveness of such efforts. She pointed out that many of these visits resulted in meetings with lower-level officials or Indian diaspora groups, rather than influential foreign leaders or decision-makers. "We need to assess what tangible outcomes these visits have achieved," she remarked. Turning to domestic matters with international implications, Shrinate referred to the tragic terror attack in Pahalgam on April 22, which claimed the lives of 26 individuals. She questioned the timing of the Prime Minister's visit to Jammu and Kashmir, suggesting that it came more as part of a ceremonial event than a response to the tragedy. She expressed disappointment that "national security concerns in sensitive regions are not always met with prompt or visible engagement". Shrinate also commented on alleged shifts in India's traditional alliances, pointing to what she called Russia's recent cooperation with Pakistan. She warned that regional dynamics are changing, with China and Pakistan strengthening ties—a development, she said, that has long been cautioned against by opposition leaders. When asked about Congress MPs, including Shashi Tharoor, who participated in foreign delegations and later described the visits as positive, Shrinate acknowledged the complexities of international diplomacy. She explained that while representatives may exercise restraint abroad, there remains a responsibility to ask hard questions back home. She cited Kuwait's recent decision to lift a 19-year visa ban on Pakistan shortly after an Indian delegation's visit, suggesting this raised legitimate questions about diplomatic impact. A key concern she highlighted was the apparent reluctance to hold comprehensive discussions in Parliament on foreign policy matters, while simultaneously prioritising engagement with Indian communities abroad. "There seems to be a disconnect between domestic accountability and international outreach," she said. The Congress spokesperson stressed the need for a more grounded and outcome-driven foreign policy approach. In her view, the current trajectory risks sidelining India's voice in global conversations, despite its growing economic stature.
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Cong blames PM, CM for Bihar's special status delay
1 2 3 Patna: Congress national social media in charge and party spokesperson Supriya Shrinate on Tuesday held PM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar jointly responsible for the state's failure to receive special category status. "The demand for special category status to Bihar has been a burning issue during the 20-year tenure of CM Nitish Kumar and the 11-year rule of PM Modi. If the status hasn't been granted, both PM Modi and CM Kumar must be held accountable," Shrinate said while responding to media queries at the party's state headquarters at Sadaquat Ashram. Her remarks came ahead of PM Modi's two-day visit to Patna starting Thursday evening. During the visit, he is expected to address a rally at Bikramganj in Rohtas district on Friday and announce several major infrastructure and development projects for the state. However, Shrinate was in Patna primarily to conduct an internal meeting with the party's Mahila Congress wing and to brief the media on the state Congress's Mai Bahin Samman Yojana. This scheme promises the transfer of Rs 2,500 per month into the bank accounts of eligible women, aimed at ensuring their empowerment, economic upliftment, and security. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo She said that around 70 women party workers had conducted 1,000 meetings across the state to gather and articulate women's demands for inclusion in the Congress election manifesto for the 2025 assembly elections. Shrinate also cited findings from the caste-based headcount and economic survey conducted in the state, which showed that 94 lakh families in Bihar earn less than Rs 6,000 per month. "This data reinforces the Congress's commitment to implement the Mai Bahin Samman Yojana if elected to power," she said. Interestingly, RJD leader Tejashwi Prasad Yadav had earlier announced the same scheme. "This shows that the Congress and RJD, the two key partners of the grand alliance, are united in their stance on women's issues," Shrinate said. She added that unlike the BJP's inconsistent promises, the Congress's pledge was credible and already in effect in Congress-ruled states. "In contrast, the BJP has either altered or withdrawn the scheme in states governed by it, such as Delhi, or drastically reduced the promised funds after elections," she added.
India Gazette
11-05-2025
- Politics
- India Gazette
Congress President Kharge writes letter to PM Modi; reiterates Opposition's request for Parliament's special session
New Delhi [India], May 11 (ANI): Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Malikarjun Kharge wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterating the Opposition's unanimous request for a special session of Parliament to discuss several issues. The issues included the Pahalagam terror attack, Operation Sindoor and the announcement of cessation of hostilities from Washington DC and by the Governments of India and Pakistan. In a post on X, Kharge wrote, 'My letter to PM Shri @narendramodi requesting to convene a special session of the Parliament to discuss the Pahalgam Terror Attack, Operation Sindoor and the Ceasefire announcements first from Washington DC and later by the Governments of India and Pakistan.' Meanwhile, Congress leader Supriya Shrinate also demanded a Parliament session on the chain of events between India and Pakistan. Shrinate further stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should tell the opposition about how the cessation of hostilities was announced by the American President Donald Trump. 'Congress party demands that a parliament session should be called, and the PM should tell the opposition and the parliament about the entire chain of events, and also about how the ceasefire was announced by the American president and the way the US is talking by keeping both Indian and Pakistan parallel,' Shrinate said speaking to ANI. 'The PM and the BJP must tell why the US is intervening in our internal matter,' she added. The Congress leader also questioned if the Simla Agreement stood cancelled, further stating that Kashmir was India's and no one would be allowed to intervene in it. 'The US Secretary of State says that both countries will meet in a neutral place. Does this mean that the Simla Agreement has been cancelled? The US president is saying that I will mediate in the Kashmir issue. But, Kashmir is an integral part of India, and we will never allow anyone to intervene in it,' she further stated. (ANI)
