Kalaburagi: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday declined to comment on U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Calling the issue “confidential,” Kharge said it would be addressed in the upcoming all-party meeting.
“This is a confidential matter. Everything will be discussed in the all-party meeting. It’s not appropriate to speak on this here,” Kharge told reporters.
Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja criticised the government’s silence on the issue and called for a special session of Parliament to address key concerns.
“India is united in the fight against terrorism. But the prime minister must answer important questions—how did the Pahalgam terror attack happen? Were there lapses on our part? What led to the understanding between India and Pakistan, and what role did the U.S. play? What is the truth? What’s next? Nobody knows,” Raja said.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T.K.S. Elangovan welcomed President Trump’s reported role in defusing tensions but emphasized the need for transparency from the Indian government.
“Trump claims to have spoken with both sides to stop the conflict, yet Prime Minister Modi didn’t mention it in his address. If such discussions took place, the government must clarify. Stopping the war is a positive step,” Elangovan said.
He reiterated DMK’s stance against terrorism and called for public disclosure of the talks between the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan.
“Terrorism must be eradicated. Our party supports the Indian government in its anti-terror efforts. But people deserve to know the basis of the discussions held,” he added.
In his national address on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned Pakistan’s support for cross-border terrorism and laid out a new three-pronged national security doctrine in the wake of India’s military operation, codenamed Operation Sindoor.
The doctrine includes:
Decisive Retaliation: Any terrorist attack will be met with a strong and resolute response, striking at the roots of terror hubs.
Zero Tolerance for Nuclear Blackmail: India will not be cowed by nuclear threats.
No Distinction Between Terrorists and Their Sponsors: The Indian government will treat terror groups and the states supporting them as one and the same.
PM Modi also referenced the 2016 surgical strikes and 2019 air strikes, asserting that Operation Sindoor reflects India’s evolving and assertive anti-terrorism stance.
Referring to the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty following the Pahalgam terror attack, Modi emphasised, “Water and blood cannot flow together.”
