New Delhi, Aug 2 (NationPress) Senior Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar has urged for renewed discussions between India and Pakistan, sharply criticizing the current Indian government’s foreign policy for being devoid of both principles and direction. He highlighted the inconsistency in India’s stance, where it remains antagonistic towards Pakistan while being open to negotiations with China.

In an interview with IANS, Aiyar questioned the rationale behind India's persistent hostility towards Pakistan while engaging in diplomatic talks with China, especially considering the latter's recent military support of Pakistan during periods of tension.

“During the military conflict known as ‘Operation Sindoor,’ the Chinese Army supported the Pakistani Air Force. If dialogue is feasible with Beijing, then why not with Islamabad?” he stated.

Referencing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks in Russia, where he asserted that “this is not an era of war” and emphasized that dialogue and diplomacy are essential, Aiyar questioned why this principle is not extended to relations with Pakistan.

Aiyar remarked, “The Chinese military was present with the Pakistani Air Force during the conflict. If the government is willing to converse with China, why not engage with Pakistan? PM Modi indicated that this is not a time for warfare, so why are we at odds with Pakistan? He communicated to Russia that dialogue and diplomacy are the only viable solutions, yet we’re not pursuing those avenues with Pakistan. Conversations with China only began recently,” he elaborated.

He further criticized what he termed a directionless foreign policy, asking, “If our diplomacy lacks knowledge of principles and objectives, what sort of foreign policy is this?”

Aiyar also highlighted US President Donald Trump’s repeated assertions about brokering a ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan—claims that New Delhi has consistently denied. He questioned why the Indian government has not more forcefully refuted these claims.

“Trump has repeatedly stated that the US facilitated the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, but our government hesitates to state that he is misrepresenting the truth. The government lacks the courage to confront power and their so-called allies and adversaries,” he asserted.

“Trump’s assertion of being credited for India’s ceasefire agreement is acknowledged by Pakistan, while India denies any mediation took place. Consequently, Pakistan is reaping the benefits, while we bear the consequences,” Aiyar concluded.