Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy strategy, particularly the impact of the “Howdy Modi” outreach, in light of recent developments involving the US and Pakistan.
In a series of tweets, Ramesh pointed to actions by US President Donald Trump since mid-May 2025, noting that Trump repeatedly claimed to have mediated a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, which unexpectedly halted Operation Sindoor. He highlighted that these statements were made 45 times across four different countries, including at the United Nations.
Ramesh also drew attention to Trump hosting Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir at the White House, despite Munir’s previous comments contributing to a “communal backdrop” surrounding the Pahalgam terror attack.
Further, he criticised Washington’s growing economic ties with Islamabad, the reported approval of a strategic defence agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, and US measures such as tariffs and H1B visa changes that have negatively affected India’s interests.
Ramesh argued that India is being singled out for its longstanding economic relationship with Russia, questioning the effectiveness of Modi’s diplomatic gestures. He asked rhetorically: “What happened to Namaste Trump? What about Howdy Modi? Where is the so-called hug diplomacy? Dost dost na raha?”
His remarks reflect growing concern among opposition leaders over India’s foreign policy approach and its handling of strategic relations with major global powers.
