Is India’s global standing taking a hit? That’s the sharp question being posed by the Congress party, which recently slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, dubbed “huglomacy,” after US President Donald Trump publicly lauded Pakistan.
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed to Trump’s “full-throated” support for Pakistan amidst its tensions with Afghanistan, calling it a significant setback for India. Adding fuel to the fire, Trump also praised Pakistan’s leadership, including its Army Chief, Gen Asim Munir – a figure Congress has linked to inflammatory remarks preceding past terrorist attacks. This, Ramesh stated, shows the world, particularly the US, has “got the measure” of the “self-declared Vishwaguru.”
The criticism didn’t stop there. India’s “economic diplomacy” with the US also came under fire. Ramesh highlighted what he called a “one-sided” trade deal where India made firm commitments, like importing from US farmers, while the US offered only vague promises for Indian exports. To make matters worse, days after the agreement, the US slapped a hefty 125.87% import duty on solar modules from India.
Furthermore, Congress criticized Trump’s repeated alignment with the Pakistani establishment, and his “reverting to the hyphenation of India and Pakistan,” a diplomatic slight India has long sought to avoid. While Prime Minister Modi might secure international awards, Congress argues the real-world diplomatic outcomes suggest a different story about India’s influence. This latest episode ignites a crucial debate about the effectiveness of India’s current foreign policy strategy on the global stage.
