Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Tuesday intensified his critique of the Modi government on the sudden termination of Operation Sindoor, demanding clarification from the Centre on the role of the United States.
The controversy centers on the allegations of foreign influence and the timing of public disclosures involving US officials.
Ramesh highlighted a significant lapse in communication, noting that the first public confirmation of the halt of the operation did not come from New Delhi. Instead, it was announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio at 5:37 pm IST on May 10, 2025. “The fact that such a critical development was first communicated by the US Secretary of State itself warrants serious explanation,” Ramesh stated on X.
The Congress leader’s concerns are bolstered by recent filings from the US-based lobbying firm SHW LLC. The documents suggest the firm played a role in facilitating high-level access for Indian officials, including External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.
Ramesh argues that these disclosures, first reported by journalist Suhasini Haidar, raise “disturbing questions” about whether India’s strategic decisions are being influenced by external entities.
Key concerns raised in the Opposition circles include the claims that the government is allowing foreign powers to dictate the pace of national security initiatives.The Opposition has also demanded that the government should explain why a sensitive security operation was halted and why the public was informed via a foreign official.
Meanwhile, the involvement of a lobbying firm in managing access to top-tier Indian diplomats has reportedly “unsettled” circles in New Delhi.
The Ministry of External Affairs is yet to issue a formal rebuttal or explanation regarding the SHW LLC filings or the circumstances of the May 10 announcement.