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External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's address in Rajya Sabha was a multi-pronged attack on the opposition Congress party, a robust defense of the Modi government's foreign policy, and a detailed explanation of India's current approach to cross-border terrorism, particularly concerning Pakistan and China. His speech, centered around the concept of 'Operation Sindoor,' highlighted what he perceived as a significant difference between the previous Congress government's response to terrorism and the Modi government's proactive and assertive stance. He directly addressed accusations regarding potential third-party intervention by the United States, specifically former President Donald Trump, in mediating between India and Pakistan, firmly denying any such involvement. The Minister's statements were not merely a refutation of opposition claims but a deliberate effort to paint a picture of decisive leadership under Prime Minister Modi compared to perceived inaction and appeasement under previous administrations. Jaishankar's remarks also touched upon sensitive historical issues, including the Indus Water Treaty and the handling of relations with China, further intensifying the political debate and underlining the ideological differences between the ruling party and the opposition. The overall tone of the speech was combative and unapologetic, reflecting the Modi government's confidence in its foreign policy decisions and its willingness to challenge the opposition's narrative. The focus on terrorism, China, and historical grievances was strategically employed to reinforce the government's image as a strong and decisive force in safeguarding India's national interests.
A central theme of Jaishankar's address was the contrast between what he termed the 'Congress normal' and the 'Modi normal' regarding cross-border terrorism. He accused the Congress government of being weak and ineffective in its response to terror attacks emanating from Pakistan, citing the 26/11 Mumbai attacks as a prime example. In contrast, he portrayed the Modi government's approach as one of zero tolerance, characterized by swift and decisive action. He outlined five key tenets of the 'Modi normal': treating terrorists as more than mere proxies, responding to cross-border terrorism in India's own way and at its own time, refusing to engage in talks while terrorism persists, rejecting nuclear blackmail, and recognizing the incompatibility of terrorism and good neighborliness. This stark contrast served to highlight the perceived failures of the past and justify the Modi government's more assertive and interventionist foreign policy. Jaishankar specifically mentioned 'Operation Sindoor' as an example of this new normal, emphasizing its role in reducing terror infrastructure in Pakistan. He also criticized the opposition for questioning the evidence of India's military actions, suggesting they were questioning the sacrifices made by the armed forces. This framing of the issue as a matter of national pride and security served to further marginalize the opposition and solidify the government's position.
Jaishankar directly addressed the opposition's insinuations regarding potential mediation by former US President Donald Trump between India and Pakistan. He explicitly stated that there was no phone call between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump from April 22 to June 16, effectively debunking any claims of third-party intervention in bringing about a ceasefire. This denial was crucial in maintaining India's official stance of resolving issues bilaterally with Pakistan, without external interference. The emphasis on direct communication and bilateral negotiations is a cornerstone of India's foreign policy, particularly in dealing with sensitive issues such as the Kashmir dispute. By refuting the possibility of US mediation, Jaishankar reinforced India's commitment to self-reliance and its determination to manage its own affairs. This also served to counter any perception that the Modi government was reliant on external actors to resolve its problems.
The External Affairs Minister also targeted specific Congress leaders, referring to Rahul Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh as 'China gurus.' He accused them of receiving 'private tuitions' from Chinese diplomats and criticized their understanding of China. Jaishankar pointedly addressed Ramesh's past advocacy for closer ties between India and China, referencing his book 'Making sense of Chindia: Reflections on China and India.' He also questioned Gandhi's knowledge of China, implying that it was superficial and based on his attendance at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. This personal attack on individual leaders was a calculated move to discredit the opposition's expertise and understanding of a critical geopolitical issue. By questioning their knowledge and motives, Jaishankar sought to undermine their credibility and portray them as naive or even complicit in promoting Chinese interests.
Jaishankar also defended his own recent visit to China, stating that it was to discuss issues such as terrorism, de-escalation, and trade restrictions. He denied any secret meetings and emphasized that the cooperation between Pakistan and China started long ago, during the Congress regime. He argued that the opposition's criticism of this cooperation was hypocritical, given their own past policies. He further accused the Congress government of neglecting Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and allowing China to gain influence in the region. He argued that the foundation for the current strategic partnership between China and Pakistan was laid during the UPA regime when Chinese companies were invited to invest in India. This historical perspective served to shift the blame for the current geopolitical challenges onto the opposition, portraying the Modi government as merely addressing the consequences of past mistakes.
The Minister highlighted India's efforts to exert pressure on Pakistan through the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and its success in getting the United Nations to recognize The Resistance Front (TRF) as a proxy of the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). This emphasized the Modi government's proactive approach to counter-terrorism on the international stage. He highlighted how India, even without being a member of the UN Security Council, was able to get the TRF designated as a terrorist proxy. This success was presented as a testament to the Modi government's diplomatic skill and its ability to effectively leverage international institutions to achieve its goals.
Jaishankar also addressed the Indus Water Treaty, accusing the Congress government of prioritizing the interests of Western Punjab in Pakistan over the interests of farmers in Kashmir and Rajasthan. He stated that the Modi government was correcting the wrongs of Nehru's policies by suspending the treaty. This controversial statement signaled a willingness to renegotiate the treaty and use it as leverage against Pakistan. The Indus Water Treaty is a sensitive issue, and any alteration of the agreement could have significant implications for regional stability and water security.
In his concluding remarks, Jaishankar reiterated the Modi government's commitment to addressing historical injustices and correcting past mistakes. He stated that the government had shown that 'Pandit Nehru's mistakes can't be corrected' was incorrect. He highlighted the abrogation of Article 370 and the government's approach to the Indus Water Treaty as examples of this commitment. He also claimed that the Modi government had successfully placed terrorism on the global agenda. He highlighted the successes in getting Masood Azhar and Abdul Rehman Makki sanctioned by the UNSC and in bringing back terrorists from other countries, including Tahawwur Hussain Rana, who was wanted for the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. This overall message was one of decisive action, historical correction, and strong leadership, contrasting sharply with the perceived weakness and inaction of previous governments. The Minister's speech was therefore a carefully constructed narrative aimed at solidifying the Modi government's image as a strong and capable force in safeguarding India's national interests, both at home and abroad.