Trump–Munir Lunch Is A Huge Blow To Indian Diplomacy: Congress

On Thursday, June 19, the Congress party expressed strong criticism of the central government following U.S. President Donald Trump’s lunch with Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir. Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, remarked, “Field Marshal Asim Munir is not the head of state or head of the government of Pakistan and is only the chief of the army staff, yet got invited to lunch by Trump and received much praise.”

Ramesh emphasized the implications of this meeting, stating, “This is the same man whose atrocious and inflammatory remarks formed the immediate backdrop to the brutal Pahalgam terror attacks orchestrated by the establishment over which he presides.”

Ramesh further characterized the situation as “a huge blow to Indian diplomacy (and huglomacy too),” taking a pointed jab at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s approach to international relations, which has often included warm gestures like “hugs” with foreign leaders. The term “huglomacy” has been coined by Congress to critique Modi’s style of diplomacy, suggesting that it prioritizes personal rapport over substantive policy.

In a notable shift, Trump acknowledged the decision of the “two very smart leaders” of India and Pakistan to avoid escalating their conflict into a war that could have turned nuclear. This statement marked a departure from his previous claims of having single-handedly stopped hostilities between the two nations. Trump made these remarks during a media briefing in the Oval Office after hosting Munir for lunch on June 18. He stated, “The reason I had him here, I want to thank him for not going into the war, ending the war.”

Trump also mentioned his discussions with Modi, saying, “As you know, Prime Minister Modi just left a little while ago, and we’re working on a trade deal with India, we’re working on a trade deal with Pakistan.” He expressed satisfaction that “two smart people — plus, you know, people on their staff too — but two smart people, two very smart people decided not to keep going with that war. That could have been a nuclear war. Those are two nuclear powers, big ones, big, big nuclear powers, and they decided that.”

This was the first time in weeks that Trump refrained from taking credit for halting military conflict after India launched Operation Sindoor, which targeted terror infrastructure in Pakistan-controlled areas following the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack that resulted in 26 fatalities. Since May 10, when India and Pakistan agreed to cease military actions, Trump had repeatedly asserted that he played a crucial role in easing tensions between the two countries, claiming he told the nuclear-armed South Asian neighbors that America would engage in significant trade with them if they stopped the conflict.

Earlier on June 19, as Trump reiterated his claim of having stopped a war between India and Pakistan, the Congress party accused him of undermining the narrative crafted by Modi’s “PR machinery.” Congress media and publicity department head, Pawan Khera, questioned, “Is the word of the Prime Minister and the ministry of external affairs now so weak that they can’t even clearly present India’s position in a half-hour call with the U.S. president?”

Khera’s remarks followed Modi’s phone call with Trump on June 17, during which Modi clarified India’s stance on Operation Sindoor. He emphasized that India had paused strikes on Pakistan following a request from Islamabad and not due to any mediation or trade deal offer from the U.S. According to foreign secretary Vikram Misri, Modi made it clear that India has never accepted any third-party mediation and will never do so in the future.

Hours after his conversation with Modi, Trump reiterated his claim of having stopped a war, stating, “I stopped the war. I spoke to Prime Minister Modi last night. We’re going to sign a trade deal very soon.” Khera responded to this assertion, saying, “Once again, Donald Trump has deflated the hype created by Modi-ji’s PR machinery. What we were told through the Foreign Secretary about the contents of a telephone conversation has been publicly contradicted by Trump.”

Khera further criticized the government’s silence, stating, “When Trump hyphenated India and Pakistan, the government stayed silent. It was the opposition that objected.” He added, “Now, Trump has hyphenated Modi and (Pakistan Army chief Asim) Munir – and again, the government remains mute. But the opposition will never accept this insult to the office of India’s prime minister.”

Khera pointed out the significance of Trump’s public claims, stating, “Trump is making these claims himself, neither through officials, nor in private phone calls — he’s making them repeatedly, publicly.” He asserted, “It is the prime minister who must refute these claims, and he must do so publicly.”

The Congress party’s criticism highlights the growing concerns regarding India’s diplomatic standing and the implications of Trump’s remarks on the relationship between India and Pakistan. As the political landscape continues to evolve, the Congress party is calling for a more assertive response from the Modi government to clarify India’s position and protect its diplomatic interests. The situation underscores the complexities of international relations in South Asia, particularly in the context of nuclear powers and ongoing tensions.