During a discussion on Operation Sindhur in the Lok Sabha on Monday, Congress MP from Rohtak, Deependra Singh Hooda criticized the Modi government's foreign policies. He also questioned the government's response to U.S. President Donald Trump's claim, repeated 26 times, that he brokered a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. Speaking on Operation Sindhur, Congress MP Deependra Hooda proposed paying homage to the country's military, saying, 'The valor of our soldiers is not open for debate. The army fulfilled its duty, what has the government done? Our Indian Army is one of the best in the world, and the opposition stands with it. What have you achieved?'
The Congress MP noted, 'During our government's time, when it came to asserting sovereignty, we firmly dealt with America and extended a handshake when needed. After the Mumbai attacks, the then U.S. President Barack Obama stated that the safe havens for terrorists in Pakistan would not be tolerated. Has the BJP’s foreign policy changed, or has the policy of the RSS also shifted? You can't decide whether to engage with or confront America. Either silence Donald or shut down McDonalds in India. India is a superpower and America must see India and Pakistan can't be weighed on the same scale.'
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US must decide the kind of relations it wants with India
Dipendra Hooda asserted that America must choose how it wishes to relate to India. When Turkey aided Pakistan, the Prime Minister went to Cyprus—a commendable message. However, the real threat is China, and they should have gone to Taiwan to send that message. The Foreign Minister traveled to Beijing and remarked about improving relations. He criticized the government concerning the Agnipath Scheme and cuts in the defense budget, citing that 41 squadrons of fighter jets were approved during the UPA government, but today there are only 31 operational. He emphasized modernizing and equipping our military and increasing the defense budget. With discussions on three fronts, the government should focus on strengthening the nation's defense.
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Dipendra Hooda pointed out, 'On May 9, we had the advantage. The national sentiment was decisive action, yet a ceasefire occurred on the 10th. You continuously bring up PoK—how will you address this now? Wasn't Pakistan on its knees? Why then the need for a ceasefire? The sentiment to crush Pakistan brick by brick was halted, and after the ceasefire, the U.S. President tweeted, and the Foreign Minister called Pakistan contemplating strikes on terror bases, which was a strategic blunder. You’re admitting the alliance between Pakistani terrorists and their army, yet committed this blunder.'
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What's the gain of touring the world for 11 years
The Congress MP said that the Ministry of External Affairs should work on increasing India's allies worldwide. How many countries stand by you, and who sided with Pakistan, name just one which condemned Pakistan alongside the terror incident? With Pakistan, several nations like China, Turkey, and Azerbaijan stood firm. In your 11 years of foreign tours, the reality is you had to resort to parliamentary delegations. What have you achieved in 11 years traveling the globe? The IMF offered Pakistan a billion-dollar loan during conflicts. The World Bank passed a $40 billion investment proposal, and Pakistan became the co-chairman of counter-terrorism initiatives.
