Trump Hits 50 on 'Operation Sindoor' Claim, Congress Questions PM Modi's Silence

The Congress party unleashed a biting critique of the Modi government, highlighting U.S. President Donald Trump's repeated assertions that he single-handedly halted India's alleged "Operation Sindoor" against Pakistan using trade tariffs as his ultimate weapon. In a pointed social media post on X, Congress communications chief Jairam Ramesh noted that Trump has now made this claim 50 times, dubbing it his "brahmastra"—a mythical invincible weapon—and quipping that the former president is on track to "score a century" with his unyielding narrative. The remarks come amid heightened diplomatic exchanges, underscoring perceived inconsistencies in India's foreign policy narrative.

Ramesh's salvo was triggered by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent flurry of international calls on October 9, including conversations with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Modi showered praise on Trump during these interactions, Ramesh sarcastically observed that the Prime Minister "did not forget to speak to the man who had unleashed the genocide on Gaza" in reference to Netanyahu. This juxtaposition highlights Congress's broader accusation of selective diplomacy, contrasting Modi's overtures to Trump—who has long coveted the Nobel Peace Prize for his self-proclaimed peacemaking feats—with India's official stance on regional conflicts.

The controversy centers on Trump's Thursday meeting with Finland's President Alexander Stubb, where he reiterated his version of events surrounding the India-Pakistan tensions. In a shared video clip, Trump boasted of intervening to prevent escalation, crediting tariffs and trade pressures for de-escalating what he termed "Operation Sindoor." Ramesh emphasized Trump's "consistent, insistent, and persistent" rhetoric, which echoes similar claims made last month at the United Nations General Assembly. However, Indian officials have repeatedly clarified that any cessation of hostilities between India and Pakistan stemmed from direct bilateral talks between the Directors General of Military Operations of the two armies, dismissing external mediation.

Also Read: IAF Marks 93rd Anniversary With Spectacular Air Power Display

This episode reignites ongoing political sparring in India, with Congress leveraging Trump's exaggerated anecdotes to question the Modi government's diplomatic transparency. As Trump campaigns vigorously for re-election, his affinity for Modi—evident in mutual endorsements—has become fodder for opposition attacks, portraying it as overly deferential. Ramesh's post, laced with irony, serves as a reminder of the delicate balance India maintains in its relations with the U.S., Pakistan, and Israel, especially amid global scrutiny over Gaza and regional stability.

The timing of Ramesh's commentary, coinciding with Trump's 50th iteration of the claim, amplifies its satirical edge, positioning Congress as the voice of factual correction in a landscape of bombastic diplomacy. As India navigates complex alliances, this exchange not only entertains but also prompts reflection on the role of personal rapport versus institutional processes in international relations, ensuring the "Operation Sindoor" saga remains a quirky footnote in Indo-U.S. ties.

Also Read: “Calibrated, Tri-Service Response,” President Murmu Lauds Forces Behind Operation Sindoor