Key facts
- Congress criticized Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of subservience to Israel.
- The party highlighted concerns about China's growing influence in Pakistan.
- Congress welcomed a reported US-Iran agreement to halt hostilities.
- The opposition raised concerns about the Indian economy, including sluggish demand and trade deficits.
- The Congress party questioned PM Modi's silence on the killing of three Indian sailors in a US strike.
The Indian opposition Congress party has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, accusing him of subservience to Israel and a lack of balance. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh stated that Pakistan has acquired new regional and global influence, which, coupled with China's deep embedding in Pakistan's strategic apparatus, poses a significant geopolitical challenge for India. Ramesh welcomed the news that the US and Iran will reportedly sign an agreement on June 19 in Geneva to halt hostilities in West Asia, though details remain unofficial. He also expressed concerns about the Indian economy, citing sluggish growth in demand, stagnation in real wages, a record trade deficit with China, and an unfavorable investment climate. The party leader also questioned Modi's silence on the killing of three Indian sailors in a US strike off the coast of Oman.
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced the peace deal between the US and Iran, stating it would be signed on June 19 in Switzerland. Sharif thanked the US, Iran, and Qatar for their roles in reaching the agreement. The report also mentioned that the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, resulting in the loss of several top Iranian leaders.