Has the Pahalgam Attack Uncovered Flaws in Foreign Policy?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Pahalgam Attack raises questions on foreign policy.
- MP Amar Kale criticizes government for lapses.
- Demand for acknowledgment of intelligence from local communities.
- Call for a special session of Parliament ignored.
- Tribute paid to Syed Adil Hussain Shah for his heroism.
New Delhi, July 28 (NationPress) NCP-SP MP Amar Kale raised significant concerns regarding the BJP-led government's foreign policy on Monday, highlighting that despite grand claims about its effectiveness, several shortcomings have surfaced, particularly following the Pahalgam terror attack.
During a special discussion on 'Operation Sindoor'—India's response to the Pahalgam terror incident—Kale, speaking in Marathi, pointed out that even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi has visited the US nine times since 2014, the American authorities still invited Pakistan Army Chief Asim Munir for a lunch, raising questions about the implications of such actions.
"In addition, despite PM Modi's five visits to China, the latter continues to assert that its relationship with Pakistan is as strong as an iron rod," the NCP-SP MP remarked.
"Does this not indicate a failure in our foreign policy?" Kale questioned.
"Will the External Affairs Minister acknowledge these shortcomings and promptly address the issues in the country's foreign policy?" he added.
"The BJP has always claimed to operate under the principle of 'Rashtra Pratham' (nation first). Will the government embrace this principle and recognize the mistakes highlighted after the Pahalgam attack, undertaking urgent measures to combat terrorism more effectively?" Kale queried.
Representing the Wardha constituency in Maharashtra, Kale paid tribute to the individuals who lost their lives in the Pahalgam attack and later during Operation Sindoor, strongly advocating for a reassessment of foreign policy.
He recalled the decisive leadership of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi during the 1971 India-Pakistan war, where she spearheaded India's significant military response.
Kale highlighted the vital role played by the Gujjar and Bakarwal communities during the Kargil war, providing crucial information regarding infiltration to the government.
"Did the government receive similar intelligence from these communities before the Pahalgam terror attack? If so, what actions were taken? If such intelligence was not received, was it due to these communities being discontent with the government? Has the government failed to pay attention?" he asked.
The NCP-SP MP also criticized the Central government for disregarding the Opposition's request for a special session of Parliament following the terror attack, which was overlooked despite numerous appeals.
Kale paid homage to Syed Adil Hussain Shah, a tourist guide who lost his life protecting tourists during the Pahalgam attack, expressing disappointment that no speaker acknowledged Shah's heroic efforts during the House debate.