New Delhi, July 26,2025: Ramesh states that since May 10, 2025, Trump has repeatedly claimed—25 times—that he personally intervened to stop India–Pakistan wa
Modi‑Trump friendship hollow: what’s claimed
Modi‑Trump friendship hollow becomes the rallying call of Congress today, as party general secretary Jairam Ramesh accuses Prime Minister Narendra Modi of championing an empty relationship with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The slogan sets the tone: what has been touted as a diplomatic triumph may now backfire as a symbol of failure.
Four shocking facts that topple the myth
25 claims of intervening in Operation Sindoor
Ramesh states that since May 10, 2025, Trump has repeatedly claimed—25 times—that he personally intervened to stop India–Pakistan war escalation, warning that trade deals would be withheld unless hostilities ceased. This is billed as the centerpiece “fact” exposing the hollowness of the claimed partnership.
U.S. praises Pakistan’s terrorism role
On June 10, 2025, General Michael Kurilla, head of U.S. Central Command, hailed Pakistan as a “phenomenal partner” in counter‑terrorism—another sign Congress sees India’s influence slipping, as U.S. chooses to applaud Islamabad over New Delhi.
White House lunch with Pakistan Army Chief
A stunning pivot: on June 18, 2025, Trump invited Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to an unprecedented luncheon at the White House. This meeting occurred despite Munir’s earlier inflammatory rhetoric before the April Pahalgam terror attack—a move New Delhi firmly rejected as contrary to Indian interests.
Marco Rubio thanks Pakistan’s leadership
Just July 25, 2025, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met Pakistan’s Deputy PM Ishaq Dar and publicly thanked Pakistan for its role in counter‑terrorism and regional stability. Congress branded this as evidence of India’s diplomatic eclipse.
Congress’s broader critique of Indian diplomacy
Jairam Ramesh argues that these four developments collectively expose the abject failure of Indian diplomacy in recent months. He accuses Modi’s allies of loud proclamations with no substantive outcomes and warns that this much‑boasted friendship has turned into geopolitical vulnerability.
India’s official position and Trump’s narrative
India’s government has firmly denied any third‑party mediation in Operation Sindoor ceasefire. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that discussions were military-to‑military between India and Pakistan, without any U.S. involvement—even though Trump publicly took credit. Modi, during a G7 call with Trump, emphasized bilateral resolution.
Despite India’s position, Trump continued repeating claims about preventing a nuclear crisis—reportedly up to his 25th public statement.
Political fallout and opposition pressure
Criticism is intensifying:
- Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge called Trump’s claims “humiliating” and demanded clarification.
- Rahul Gandhi, in a pointed question, asked, “Modi ji, what is the truth?” about claims of jets being shot down and U.S. role.
- Lok Sabha debate scheduled early next week on Operation Sindoor and U.S. claims, led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, likely to include Prime Minister’s response.
Why this story matters now
- Strategic credibility at stake: A strong bilateral friendship should translate into influence, not derision.
- Diplomatic messaging failure: India’s denial of U.S. intervention contrasts sharply with global perception shaped by Trump’s repeated boasting.
- Public trust questioned: Opposition uses this as ground to challenge Modi’s leadership and foreign policy competence.
- Regional power dynamics: The U.S.’s pivot toward Pakistan sends signals about shifting alliances in South Asia.
The Modi‑Trump friendship hollow narrative is now front and center in India’s national debate. With parliamentary scrutiny looming and political pressure rising, the government faces tough questions:
- Was India too trusting of a transactional U.S. diplomacy?
- Can Modi deliver substantive outcomes beyond rhetoric?
- Does India need to reconsider its foreign policy balance?
As the nation awaits official responses in Lok Sabha and diplomatic clarifications from Washington, one thing is clear: India’s global image and sovereignty narrative are under intense challenge.
