NEW DELHI: Congress hit out at the BJP-led central government on Monday over Pakistan holding US-Iran talks, terming it a “substantial setback for Mr Modi’s foreign policy”. Citing foreign minister S Jaishankar’s “dalal (broker or middleman)” remark for Pakistan, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the same nation was set to host the second round of US-Iran talks on Tuesday.”It is a monumental setback for Mr. Modi’s foreign policy. India needs a complete overhaul of its diplomatic engagement strategy and tactics—which Mr. Modi is simply incapable of doing,” he said in a post on X.”The ‘dalal’ country, as the erudite and always nattily dressed External Affairs Minister described it, is reportedly hosting the second round of US-Iran peace talks today. After the completion of the first round of these talks on April 12th, Pakistan borrowed $6 billion from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to repay a $3.5 billion loan taken from the UAE and to retire a $1.43 billion tranche of Eurobonds,” he added.Highlighting the importance of Pakisan’s diplomatic role in the current situation, Ramesh said that “Prime Minister Modi’s regional and global engagement and narrative management have failed to isolate Pakistan”.”Pakistan’s economy is clearly in dire straits and it depends on largesse given to it by friendly countries. But it is for now playing a pivotal diplomatic role after having given sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists, bombing drug rehabilitation centres in Afghanistan, and most recently orchestrating the Pahalgam terror attack a year ago,” he said.”It is abundantly clear that the substance and style of Prime Minister Modi’s regional and global engagement and narrative management have failed to isolate Pakistan which has received a whole new branding – different from what Dr. Manmohan Singh had been able to achieve after the terror attacks in Mumbai in Nov 2008,” he added.Talking about US President Donald Trump’s fondness for Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, the Congress leader said, “That Field Marshal Asim Munir – whose provocative and inflammatory remarks provided the oxygen for the Pahalgam terror attack – has become such a huge favourite of President Trump is a particularly severe setback for India. That the Field Marshal and his colleagues seem to have succeeded in managing the Trump ecosystem of family and associates much better than India is obvious.”Munir spoke to Trump regarding the upcoming talks and conveyed that the blockade of Strait of Hormuz was a “hurdle” in talks. Iran has said that it will not attend the talks.Trump said that he would “consider” Munir’s advice, Reuters reported citing Pakistani security source.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosNSA Doval Meets Top Saudi Leaders, Focus On Security And EnergyFact Check: No, Indian Navy Did NOT Detain Somali Pirates In Viral VideoTMC Hits Out At PM Modi Over Jhalmuri Stop, Claims Hemant Soren Forced To ReturnTMC vs Himanta Biswa Sarma Erupts As Mamata Banerjee Row Sparks Election Commission ComplaintManipur Erupts In Anger As No Arrests Made After 5 Killings, Protests Turn Violent‘Ripple Impact On India…’: Misri After Indian Tankers Hit In HormuzUS Nationals Detained At Srinagar Airport Over Banned Satellite DeviceNo Fuel Shortage: Govt Assures 100% Domestic Gas Supply As India’s LPG Demand Falls 13% In MarchPM Modi Takes ‘Jhalmuri’ Break, Interacts With Locals In West Bengal’s Jhargram Amid Poll CampaignIndia Warns Iran Of Consequences After Attack On Two Tankers In Strait Of Hormuz123PhotostoriesFrom building 5 businesses at 24 to being told to retire despite a net worth of approximately Rs 250 crore- Jannat Zubair gets candid8 traditional Mango pickles from across India to tryLessons you should learn from Adi Shankaracharya; based on your birth dateVinod Kambli’s ₹8 crore apartment in Bandra, Mumbai is defined by a Sachin-Kambli friendship wall, untold struggles, and family-first living8 Habits that quietly destroy your inner peaceAndhra Pradesh strikes big as Jonnagiri gold mine nears launchEarly signs of liver disease you shouldn’t ignore: When to act and how to protect your liver before it’s too lateGK Fact of the Day: Not just birds; 5 other animals that make “nests”From PM Narendra Modi to NASA, why everyone swears by this superfood’American Horror Story’ to ‘The Exorcist’: Horror TV shows that are a must-watch for new fans123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingBan vs NZKanpur MurderAndhra Pradesh Bomb ExplodeKanpur Rape CaseNagpur NGOJammu Bus AccidentAndhra Pradesh MurderLucknow Girl MurderTamil Nadu Firecracker Unit BlastDelhi Heatwave Alert
NEW DELHI: Congress hit out at the BJP-led central government on Monday over Pakistan holding US-Iran talks, terming it a “substantial setback for Mr Modi’s foreign policy”. Citing foreign minister S Jaishankar’s “dalal (broker or middleman)” remark for Pakistan, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh pointed out that the same nation was set to host the second round of US-Iran talks on Tuesday.“It is a monumental setback for Mr. Modi’s foreign policy. India needs a complete overhaul of its diplomatic engagement strategy and tactics—which Mr. Modi is simply incapable of doing,” he said in a post on X.“The ‘dalal’ country, as the erudite and always nattily dressed External Affairs Minister described it, is reportedly hosting the second round of US-Iran peace talks today. After the completion of the first round of these talks on April 12th, Pakistan borrowed $6 billion from Saudi Arabia and Qatar to repay a $3.5 billion loan taken from the UAE and to retire a $1.43 billion tranche of Eurobonds,” he added.Highlighting the importance of Pakisan’s diplomatic role in the current situation, Ramesh said that “Prime Minister Modi’s regional and global engagement and narrative management have failed to isolate Pakistan”.“Pakistan’s economy is clearly in dire straits and it depends on largesse given to it by friendly countries. But it is for now playing a pivotal diplomatic role after having given sanctuary to Osama Bin Laden and other terrorists, bombing drug rehabilitation centres in Afghanistan, and most recently orchestrating the Pahalgam terror attack a year ago,” he said.“It is abundantly clear that the substance and style of Prime Minister Modi’s regional and global engagement and narrative management have failed to isolate Pakistan which has received a whole new branding – different from what Dr. Manmohan Singh had been able to achieve after the terror attacks in Mumbai in Nov 2008,” he added.Talking about US President Donald Trump’s fondness for Pakistan army chief Asim Munir, the Congress leader said, “That Field Marshal Asim Munir – whose provocative and inflammatory remarks provided the oxygen for the Pahalgam terror attack – has become such a huge favourite of President Trump is a particularly severe setback for India. That the Field Marshal and his colleagues seem to have succeeded in managing the Trump ecosystem of family and associates much better than India is obvious.“Munir spoke to Trump regarding the upcoming talks and conveyed that the blockade of Strait of Hormuz was a “hurdle” in talks. Iran has said that it will not attend the talks.Trump said that he would “consider” Munir’s advice, Reuters reported citing Pakistani security source.
