Thu Jun 19 08:15:31 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Congress Slams Government After Trump Hosts Pakistan Army Chief, Cites Diplomatic Setback**
**New Delhi – June 19, 2025:** The Indian National Congress (INC) has launched a scathing attack on the Modi government following U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to host Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, for lunch at the White House. Congress leaders, including Jairam Ramesh and Pawan Khera, described the event as a “huge blow to Indian diplomacy,” especially given Munir’s alleged role in recent terror attacks.
Ramesh criticized Trump’s praise of Munir, highlighting the general’s connection to the Pahalgam terror attacks. The Congress also took aim at Prime Minister Modi’s “hug diplomacy” approach, suggesting it has been ineffective.
The criticism comes amid ongoing controversy over Trump’s repeated claims that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor. Trump reiterated this claim after meeting with Munir, stating that the leaders of both countries “decided not to continue a war that could have turned nuclear.” He did not take credit for stopping hostilities between the two neighbouring nations.
The Congress is demanding that Prime Minister Modi publicly refute Trump’s version of events, particularly his assertion that the U.S. played a role in ending the conflict. Pawan Khera questioned whether the government’s communication with the U.S. is now so weak that it cannot accurately convey India’s position.
The party has also criticized the government’s silence on Trump’s repeated attempts to “hyphenate” India and Pakistan in his statements. Khera emphasized that the opposition will not accept any insult to the office of the Indian Prime Minister.
First Piper 