Jairam Ramesh slams Centre’s foreign policy, claims Pakistan regaining global legitimacy

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Sunday mounted a sharp critique of the Centre’s foreign policy, alleging that recent developments have enabled Pakistan to regain international legitimacy despite years of diplomatic isolation.

In a strongly worded post on X, Ramesh described Pakistan as “a country where democracy is a farce” and “an economy that is a basket case, dependent on a lifeline extended by the IMF and a few other donors like China and Saudi Arabia.” He further alleged that the neighbouring country has long been “a haven for terrorists” responsible for attacks across regions.

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Placing his remarks in a historical context, Ramesh noted that Pakistan had previously faced tough measures from successive US administrations under Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, Barack Obama, and Joe Biden. He also recalled the global backlash following the 2008 Mumbai attacks, which led to significant diplomatic pressure on Islamabad.

However, he argued that the situation has since changed, claiming Pakistan has “acquired a new acceptance” on the global stage. Referring to remarks attributed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, Ramesh said the description of Pakistan as a “dalal” underscores what he called a “colossal failure” of the Modi government’s foreign policy and narrative management.

Ramesh also pointed to the role of US President Donald Trump, suggesting that Washington’s approach has contributed to Pakistan’s improved standing. He questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi on how such a shift occurred despite repeated assertions of strong India–US ties.

Citing high-profile events like the Howdy Modi event and the Namaste Trump event, Ramesh argued that an emphasis on personal diplomacy had not translated into strategic gains. “Why and how did the PM allow it to happen, even as he boasted of his special relationship with the White House?” he said.

He further alleged that efforts to appease the United States, including trade decisions affecting Indian agriculture, had failed to yield diplomatic leverage. “He’s only seen as a pliant pushover,” Ramesh remarked.

While acknowledging that the Prime Minister continues to engage with world leaders through regular communication, Ramesh said a “personality-driven foreign policy” was now “unravelling.” In a sharp closing remark, he claimed that the government’s projection of India as a global leader had been weakened, describing it as exposing a “self-styled Vishwaguru as a Vishwaphoney.”

The comments come amid continuing political exchanges between the government and the opposition over India’s foreign policy approach, particularly in the context of regional security challenges and evolving global alignments.