Sarkar Criticizes Modi's Silence on Trump's Ceasefire Claims

In a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee President Subhankar Sarkar questioned Modi's silence in the face of US President Donald Trump's assertions of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Sarkar's remarks came as Trump's imposition of a 25% tariff plus penalty on India raised concerns.

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Sarkar drew parallels with former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, suggesting that unlike Modi, Gandhi would have given Trump a 'fitting response'. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri clarified that the ceasefire was a bilateral decision, initiated via military hotlines by Pakistan, without third-party intervention.

The debate over Trump's claims persisted in parliament, with Congress MP Karti Chidambaram urging the government to categorically reject the assertions. Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party MP Akhilesh Yadav criticized BJP for ignoring the broader geopolitical threats, suggesting that China poses a significant challenge behind Pakistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)