Why is Kharge Criticizing US-Pakistan Relations and Calling for an All-Party Meeting on Foreign Policy?

New Delhi, June 12 (NationPress) Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Thursday voiced serious concerns regarding two recent global events, labeling them as profoundly alarming for India's diplomatic position and national interests. He has called for an all-party meeting and a special session of Parliament from the outset.

He urged the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to consider opposition suggestions, engage in discussions, and establish a national strategy in collaboration with the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister.

“This has occurred numerous times previously. Such actions are crucial for the national interest,” he emphasized. In a strongly articulated post on his X account, Kharge highlighted the remarks made by General Michael Kurilla, chief of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), who recently characterized Pakistan as a “remarkable counter-terrorism ally.” He also mentioned the invitation extended to Pakistan’s Army Chief, General Asim Munir, to participate in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Army in Washington on June 14.

General Kurilla's statements, delivered during a testimony to the US House Armed Services Committee, have ignited political discourse in India. He acknowledged the Pakistani military's success in apprehending high-profile ISIS-Khorasan operatives and stressed the necessity for the US to sustain strategic relations with both India and Pakistan.

The invitation to General Munir, who is anticipated to meet senior US officials during his visit, arises amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and India’s counter-operation, Operation Sindoor.

Kharge also condemned the recent vandalism of the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Sirajganj, Bangladesh. The Rabindra Kachharibari, now a museum, was assaulted by a mob following a dispute between a visitor and staff over a parking fee.

This incident escalated into violence, resulting in damage to the premises and reported assaults on staff. Bangladeshi authorities have launched an investigation and temporarily closed the site to the public.

Labeling these occurrences as “extremely concerning,” Kharge reiterated the Congress party's long-standing demand for an all-party meeting and a special Parliament session to address India’s foreign policy challenges.

He urged the Prime Minister Modi-led government to involve the opposition in substantive discussions and devise a unified national strategy, including the Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister.

“This has happened many times before,” Kharge remarked, alluding to previous bipartisan dialogues on foreign policy. It is vital for the national interest that we present a united front on international matters.”

The Congress leader’s comments come amid increasing demands from opposition parties for enhanced transparency and inclusivity in India’s foreign policy decision-making, particularly given the shifting geopolitical landscape and regional security worries.

The Ministry of External Affairs has yet to provide an official response to either CENTCOM chief’s statements or the invitation to General Munir.

Meanwhile, the vandalism in Bangladesh has elicited condemnation from various political circles in India, with both the BJP and Trinamool Congress demanding accountability and preservation of shared cultural heritage.