Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticized the reported US-mediated ceasefire between India and Pakistan, contrasting it with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s firm stance during the 1971 war. Sharing a historic letter from Gandhi to then-US President Richard Nixon, Ramesh underscored how she had resisted American pressure and firmly rejected any form of neutral mediation. He suggested that, unlike Gandhi’s assertive leadership, the current government appears to have conceded ground on India’s strategic autonomy by seemingly accepting international facilitation and the prospect of talks at a neutral venue.
Ramesh also called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to convene an all-party meeting to brief political leaders on the ceasefire developments, especially following the announcements from Washington, D.C. His comments reflect broader concerns within the Congress over the perception and consequences of foreign involvement in India-Pakistan affairs. By invoking Gandhi’s legacy, Ramesh emphasized the need for greater political consensus, transparency, and a reaffirmation of India’s independent strategic posture.