Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 22: The Congress on Wednesday criticised the Centre on the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, alleging that Narendra Modi’s foreign policy has failed, as Pakistan has regained global relevance despite its role in terrorism.
In a post on X, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said April 22 would always remain a day of grief for the country.
“Exactly a year ago, the terror attack orchestrated by Pakistan took place in Pahalgam. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families. We also recall the bravery of a young local ponywallah who was shot dead while trying to save a tourist,” Ramesh said.
He also referred to the admission by the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor regarding an intelligence failure, and questioned what action had been taken following the acknowledgment, even though the perpetrators were later brought to justice.
Drawing a comparison with the aftermath of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, Ramesh said Pakistan had been internationally isolated after those attacks but claimed the situation has changed.
He alleged that despite Pakistan’s economic challenges and internal issues, it has now acquired a degree of global acceptability, which he termed a reflection of shortcomings in India’s diplomatic approach.
“In many ways, this reflects the complete failure of the substance of the Prime Minister’s foreign policy and the self-glorifying style of his diplomatic engagement,” Ramesh said, calling for a reset in foreign policy.
He, however, expressed doubt that such a reset would take place.
The Lashkar-e-Taiba had carried out the Pahalgam attack in 2025, killing 26 people, most of them tourists from across the country.
Following the attack, India launched a retaliatory operation, Operation Sindoor, targeting terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
The remarks have added to the ongoing political exchange between the ruling party and the opposition over national security and foreign policy issues.