Congress Criticizes US–Pakistan : Military Exercise, Raises Questions on India’s Global Diplomatic Standing
Congress Criticizes US–Pakistan: The Indian National Congress has strongly criticized the Union government following the completion of a joint military training exercise between the United States and Pakistan. The party described the development as a setback to India’s projected global influence and questioned the effectiveness of India’s foreign policy messaging under the current leadership. The issue has sparked political debate, especially in the context of regional security, counterterrorism cooperation, and India’s aspirations for strategic leadership on the world stage.
Background of the Joint Military Exercise
The joint training exercise, named Inspired Gambit 2026, was conducted at Pakistan’s National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Pabbi. American and Pakistani troops participated in the program, which focused on infantry coordination, battlefield tactics, and counterterrorism operations. According to official statements, the exercise was designed to enhance operational readiness and improve coordination between the armed forces of the two countries.
Such exercises are not new and are often described as part of long-standing defense cooperation between Washington and Islamabad. However, the timing and optics of the exercise have drawn attention in India, particularly given ongoing concerns related to terrorism and regional stability in South Asia.
Congress Party’s Political Response
Reacting to the development, senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh issued a sharp statement criticizing the Indian government’s diplomatic posture. He argued that the exercise contradicted repeated claims that India’s global standing has significantly improved in recent years. According to him, the collaboration between US and Pakistani forces highlights gaps between diplomatic messaging and geopolitical realities.
The Congress leadership framed the issue as part of a broader pattern where India’s strategic concerns, especially those related to Pakistan, are not being adequately reflected in global defense partnerships. The party emphasized that symbolic assertions of global leadership must be supported by tangible diplomatic outcomes.
Reference to Past US–Pakistan Engagements
The Congress statement also referred to earlier remarks made by senior US military leadership praising Pakistan’s role in counterterrorism efforts. These comments, made in mid-2025, were cited as evidence of Washington’s continued reliance on Islamabad in regional security matters.
Additionally, the party highlighted statements made by former US President Donald Trump, who had publicly expressed admiration for Pakistan’s military leadership. According to Congress, such remarks, combined with ongoing military cooperation, undermine India’s consistent position on cross-border terrorism and security accountability.
Operation Sindoor and Regional Security Concerns
The criticism also touched upon Operation Sindoor, a military development that reportedly concluded in May 2025. Congress leaders claimed that international intervention played a role in halting the operation, raising questions about India’s strategic autonomy. They linked this episode with the broader issue of foreign powers continuing to engage Pakistan militarily despite India’s security concerns.
From the Congress perspective, these developments collectively suggest that India’s core security narratives are not being sufficiently prioritized in global decision-making forums. The party argued that counterterrorism cooperation with Pakistan, without addressing India’s long-standing allegations, sends conflicting signals.
Strategic Implications of the Exercise
Defense analysts note that joint exercises like Inspired Gambit 2026 are often aimed at maintaining operational familiarity rather than signaling political alignment. Nevertheless, in geopolitically sensitive regions, such exercises carry symbolic weight. For India, US–Pakistan military cooperation remains a sensitive subject, given historical contexts and unresolved security disputes.
The exercise, held between January 8 and January 16, also indicates renewed engagement between US and Pakistani defense establishments. Observers see this as part of Washington’s broader strategy to maintain influence in South Asia while balancing relationships with multiple regional actors.
Broader Diplomatic Debate in India
The episode has fueled a larger political conversation in India about foreign policy priorities, strategic communication, and regional diplomacy. While the government maintains that India’s global partnerships are stronger than ever, opposition parties argue that international actions must be evaluated beyond official rhetoric.
This debate is likely to continue, especially as India navigates complex relationships involving global powers, regional rivals, and security partnerships. The Congress party has indicated that it will keep raising such issues to push for greater transparency and accountability in foreign policy decision-making.