NEW DELHI: The Congress party criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government on Tuesday following remarks made by former US President Donald Trump, who referred to Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir as his “favorite.”
The Congress party claimed that this incident highlights the deterioration of India’s foreign policy under Modi’s leadership. “Will Narendra Modi be able to oppose Trump’s statement?” the party questioned.
Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh emphasized that while Modi has called Trump a good friend, the nature of their relationship raises concerns. He recalled that Trump hosted General Munir for a significant lunch at the White House on June 18, 2025. Ramesh stated that Munir’s controversial remarks contributed to the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attacks perpetrated by Pakistan on April 22, 2025.
He further remarked, “Now in Egypt yesterday, President Trump called Asim Munir ‘my favorite Field Marshal’ and accorded special attention to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. What kind of signal is President Trump sending to India, despite Mr. Modi’s desperate attempts to appease the US President?”
During a recent summit, Trump praised both Pakistan and India, inviting Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to speak after a ceasefire concluded the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. While commending India—without mentioning Modi specifically—Trump noted, “India is a great country with a good friend of mine at the top.” He added, “I think India and Pakistan are going to live very nicely together,” while addressing Sharif, who was present.
Sharif expressed his intention to nominate Trump again for the Nobel Peace Prize, citing his role in saving millions of lives.
