Congress Questions Modi Government’s Handling Of Operation Sindoor, Says Pakistan Was ‘Not Isolated’

The Indian National Congress on Thursday launched a fresh attack on the central government over the handling and aftermath of Operation Sindoor, alleging that Pakistan failed to face the kind of international isolation seen after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks.

The remarks came on the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, India’s major military response launched after the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.

Top Summary

• What happened: Congress criticised the Modi government’s handling of Operation Sindoor and its diplomatic outcome.
• Why it matters now: The opposition has raised questions over ceasefire claims, military losses and India’s foreign policy strategy.
• What changes for people: The issue is likely to intensify political debate around national security and foreign affairs.
• Who is affected: The central government, opposition parties, defence establishment and diplomatic relations with Pakistan and global powers.

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh accused the government of failing to counter repeated claims by the United States regarding its role in ending the conflict.

In a post on X, Ramesh said the first public announcement regarding the ceasefire on May 10, 2025 had come from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who claimed intervention by US President Donald Trump helped halt military action between India and Pakistan.

Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi never publicly refuted Trump’s repeated claims regarding American mediation.

The Congress leader also referred to statements made by senior Indian military officials after the operation.

According to Ramesh, Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan had stated during a Singapore event in May 2025 that India initially suffered losses due to tactical errors before carrying out later precision strikes after reviewing operational mistakes.

He further cited remarks allegedly made by India’s defence attache in Indonesia, who reportedly acknowledged that India lost aircraft during the early phase of the conflict because of operational constraints imposed by political leadership.

Ramesh also pointed to comments made by Deputy Chief of Army Staff Rahul Singh regarding China’s reported support to Pakistan during the operation, including equipment, satellite imagery and targeting assistance.

The Congress accused the government of continuing what it described as a “soft” approach toward China despite such concerns, citing issues related to Ladakh patrol rights, trade imports and foreign investment policy.

Operation Sindoor was launched by India on May 7, 2025 following the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, mostly tourists.

India carried out airstrikes targeting terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, leading to several days of heightened military tension between the two countries.

Pakistan responded with retaliatory actions, though Indian defence forces said many of the attacks were intercepted or neutralised.

The hostilities eventually ended after military-level communication between both sides reportedly resulted in an understanding to halt further escalation.

Congress also argued that unlike after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, Pakistan did not face diplomatic isolation internationally after Operation Sindoor.

Ramesh alleged that Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir later received unusually warm engagement from the United States, including interactions with President Trump and the US military establishment.

The Congress leader additionally recalled how the Vajpayee government had established the Kargil Review Committee after the 1999 Kargil conflict to examine operational lessons and recommend reforms.

Bottom line

Congress has intensified pressure on the Modi government by raising questions over the diplomatic, military and geopolitical consequences of Operation Sindoor. The issue is expected to remain politically sensitive as debates over national security and foreign policy continue ahead of future elections.

What to watch next

• Government response to Congress allegations
• Debate over foreign mediation claims
• Discussions on military preparedness and operational review
• India’s evolving diplomatic strategy toward Pakistan and China
• Possible parliamentary confrontation over Operation Sindoor