New Delhi: The Congress expressed reservations over US President Donald Trump’s recent assurance that the United States would support India in the event of an external attack, with party leader Pawan Khera urging caution while assessing Washington’s strategic commitments.
Reacting to Trump’s remarks made during his bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in France, Khera said India’s foreign policy should be guided by its own national interests and past experiences rather than public declarations made by foreign leaders.
Referring to Operation Sindoor, the Congress leader claimed that the announcement of a ceasefire by the United States during the military operation had raised questions about Washington’s role in regional developments. He suggested that such events should remain part of India’s broader assessment of international partnerships.
Khera also pointed to President Trump’s interaction with Pakistan’s Field Marshal Asim Munir, arguing that India’s expectations from the United States should be measured in light of its engagement with multiple countries in the region.
According to the Congress leader, assuming unconditional support from a nation that simultaneously maintains relations with India’s adversaries would not be a realistic approach. He maintained that diplomacy often operates on strategic interests rather than permanent alliances.
His comments came shortly after President Trump stated during a media interaction that the United States would stand with India if it faced an attack. The statement, delivered during his meeting with Prime Minister Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, drew considerable attention for its strong expression of support towards New Delhi.
Trump’s remarks were widely interpreted as reflecting the growing strategic partnership between India and the United States, particularly in areas such as defence cooperation, regional security and economic engagement.
However, the Congress has maintained that India’s security framework should remain independent and self-reliant, with foreign relationships evaluated through the lens of long-term national interest rather than political statements.
The exchange has added a political dimension to the ongoing discussion surrounding India’s diplomatic engagements with major global powers, with different parties offering contrasting interpretations of the significance of Trump’s comments.
As India continues to strengthen ties with strategic partners across the world, the debate highlights differing political perspectives on how international assurances should be viewed within the context of evolving geopolitical realities and national security priorities.
