On the sixth day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, tensions ran high as opposition MPs continued to target the government over issues related to the voter list in Bihar and the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam. The Lok Sabha held a detailed discussion on Operation Sindoor, during which the government presented its official position.
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a pointed response to opposition criticism, stating, “The Leader of the Opposition seems unfamiliar with historical facts. PoK came into existence in 1950. China and Pakistan began military cooperation in 1966, and by the time Rajiv Gandhi visited both countries in the 1980s, nuclear cooperation between them was at its peak. We are being warned about China-Pakistan ties as if they are new — but these ties have existed for over 60 years.”
Referring to ongoing concerns about terrorism, Jaishankar remarked, “Some claim that India has struggled with terrorism since the 26/11 Mumbai attacks. But I would remind those in this House that even before that, there were deadly blasts on Mumbai’s trains. At that time, the then-UPA government held talks with Pakistan — a country that never acted. It is shameful that those who failed to respond then are questioning us now.”
The External Affairs Minister reiterated that terrorism in any form is unacceptable, underlining India’s zero-tolerance policy.
As opposition MPs continued their protests during Jaishankar’s speech, Home Minister Amit Shah intervened, criticizing the Congress party. “The Congress seems to place more trust in Pakistan than in India’s External Affairs Minister. That’s why they’re sitting on the other side — and they’ll remain there for the next 20 years,” Shah said sharply.
Dr. Jaishankar also clarified misconceptions regarding the ceasefire process, stating, “On May 10, we learned that Pakistan was open to a ceasefire. We insisted that any such request must come officially from Pakistan. Contrary to speculation, no communication was received from the United States, and no talks occurred between Prime Minister Modi and President Trump between April 22 and June 17.”