PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi (R) NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday turned up the heat on Centre and EAM Jaishankar over US secretary of state Marco Rubio’s remark after his phone-call with external affairs minister on Middle East crisis.Other Congress leaders also joined the attack, questioning both Washington’s tone and New Delhi’s response after three mariners were killed in US military strike.Rahul opened a fresh front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi arguing that the government’s response to the deaths of Indian mariners and Rubio’s response.In a strongly worded post, the Congress leader said Washington had shown neither remorse nor regret and had instead continued to dictate terms.He wrote on X: “Just days after the murder of three Indian sailors in American attacks—no remorse, no apology. On the contrary, America has continued issuing orders. Read their words: “Comply immediately with the orders of the US military.” No violation “will be tolerated”.””A free country would never tolerate such language. But our Compromised PM? Silent. They listen like an obedient servant and comply with the orders. Compromised PM will not defend the country’s honor—because those who insult the country are under their control,” he added.The largest-opposition party seized on Rubio’s comments, arguing that instead of expressing regret over the deaths of three Indian mariners in a recent US military strike, Washington chose to issue a “warning” to India.Leading the attack, Congress leader Pawan Khera said the Modi government should have demanded an unconditional apology from the United States.”India should have demanded an apology from the United States for the killing of three young Indian sailors in the American military strike—and that demand should have been accepted unconditionally,” he said.Khera said Rubio’s remarks reflected a tone of command rather than contrition.”Instead, Secretary Rubio deemed it appropriate to issue a warning and stated that failing to follow US military orders “will not be tolerated.” This is the language of issuing commands, not of remorse.”The Congress leader reserved some of his sharpest criticism for Jaishankar’s response, arguing that the government’s language did not match the gravity of the incident.He said “New Delhi’s response made the entire episode even more shameful. Instead of presenting the attack in its true light, the foreign minister merely said that lethal actions against commercial ships are “not justified.””Not justified”? That’s what you say about an overpriced sandwich at an airport, not about a military strike that takes the lives of innocent civilians. The right words for America’s action are: illegal, reckless, and unacceptable,” he added further.Congress MP Manish Tewari also joined the offensive, describing Rubio’s comments as unusually combative and devoid of empathy.”No regret , No remorse, no empathy, no sympathy. Abrupt, abrasive confrontational. @SecRubio could not have been more belligerent. The sub text in between the lines – is Indian sailors were responsible for what happened to them. Hardly the language you use with a country you call a friend,” Tewari said in a post on X.He further challenged Jaishankar to release India’s version of the conversation.”Rather than being namby pamby and wishy washy Jaishankar must put out his read out of the call . It would be interesting to know whether EAM Jaishankar stood upto this coarseness,” Tewari added.The political storm erupted after the US state department disclosed details of Rubio’s call with Jaishankar. According to Washington, Rubio stressed that commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz must comply with directives issued by US forces.”Secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke yesterday with external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two officials discussed recent events in the Strait of Hormuz. The Secretary stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from US forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the Strait. He underscored that violations of the US blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated,” the office of spokesperson said.Jaishankar, however, said he used the conversation to convey India’s strong protest over the attack that claimed the lives of three Indian mariners.”Spoke to US secretary of state Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.The political fire at the Centre and Jaishankar’s phone-call with Rubio came amid constantly evolving situation in the Middle East.Get the latest India news and live updates. Download the TOI App.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 MediaVideosIAF An-32 Crashes During Landing In Assam’s Jorhat, Co-Pilot Survives, Five Personnel KilledUP Government Constitutes SIT To Investigate Alleged Irregularities In Ram Temple DonationsModi-Trump Meeting At G7 Comes Amid India-US Tensions Over Sailors’ Deaths And Iran ConflictIndia’s Russian Oil Imports Rise 6.6% In May; Russia Remains India’s Second-Largest Crude SupplierStone-Pelting Rocks Patliputra Station As Students Demand More TrainsDRDO’s Three Successful Missile Tests Put India Among Nations Capable Of Countering ICBM ThreatsCong Leaders Demand Accountability, Apology From US After Three Indian Sailors Killed In StrikeRubio Tells EAM All Vessels Must Follow US Orders In Hormuz; India Protests Death Of 3 MarinersKalyan Banerjee Targets Rebel TMC Leaders: ‘If TMC Wins In 2029, Will They Resign?’Joint Tribes’ Council Accuses Kuki Cadres Of Killing Six Naga Captives, Seeks Immediate Arrests123PhotostoriesSuccess quote of the day by football GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo: “Your love makes me strong, your hate makes me…”7 traditional Indian foods that have been used to make alcohol for centuriesWhat happens when you eat 1 banana daily for 45 daysThis wild cat can crush a skull with one bite10 baby boy names symbolising fortune and good luck6 most prestigious residential neighbourhoods in Thane for homebuyersNot every cancer begins with pain: Doctors reveal the everyday symptoms people often ignore for too longCrossover of Imtiaz Ali’s characters: Director says at a dinner table, ‘Geet will make bad order; Tara will help’ – Exclusive7 social skills that can help children become confident and make friends easily5 ancient temples in Karnataka that are architectural marvels123Hot PicksStephen A SmithUS Trade DealNEET Admit CardJoSAA CounsellingKerala HSCAP 1st allotment resultPatliputra station protestCJP Bengaluru ProtestTelangana SIRDelhi restaurant fireTop TrendingAsha Sharma Net WorthUPSC Prelims ResultNEET Admit Card 2026FIFA World Cup 2026Women T20 World CupPune Techie SuicideAbhishek BanerjeeComedian PranitTMC Leader Kunal GhoshCBSE Class 10 Second Board Result
NEW DELHI: Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi on Sunday turned up the heat on Centre and EAM Jaishankar over US secretary of state Marco Rubio’s remark after his phone-call with external affairs minister on Middle East crisis.Other Congress leaders also joined the attack, questioning both Washington’s tone and New Delhi’s response after three mariners were killed in US military strike.Rahul opened a fresh front against Prime Minister Narendra Modi arguing that the government’s response to the deaths of Indian mariners and Rubio’s response.In a strongly worded post, the Congress leader said Washington had shown neither remorse nor regret and had instead continued to dictate terms.He wrote on X: “Just days after the murder of three Indian sailors in American attacks—no remorse, no apology. On the contrary, America has continued issuing orders. Read their words: “Comply immediately with the orders of the US military.” No violation “will be tolerated”.”“A free country would never tolerate such language. But our Compromised PM? Silent. They listen like an obedient servant and comply with the orders. Compromised PM will not defend the country’s honor—because those who insult the country are under their control,” he added.The largest-opposition party seized on Rubio’s comments, arguing that instead of expressing regret over the deaths of three Indian mariners in a recent US military strike, Washington chose to issue a “warning” to India.Leading the attack, Congress leader Pawan Khera said the Modi government should have demanded an unconditional apology from the United States.“India should have demanded an apology from the United States for the killing of three young Indian sailors in the American military strike—and that demand should have been accepted unconditionally,” he said.Khera said Rubio’s remarks reflected a tone of command rather than contrition.“Instead, Secretary Rubio deemed it appropriate to issue a warning and stated that failing to follow US military orders “will not be tolerated.” This is the language of issuing commands, not of remorse.”The Congress leader reserved some of his sharpest criticism for Jaishankar’s response, arguing that the government’s language did not match the gravity of the incident.He said “New Delhi’s response made the entire episode even more shameful. Instead of presenting the attack in its true light, the foreign minister merely said that lethal actions against commercial ships are “not justified.”“Not justified”? That’s what you say about an overpriced sandwich at an airport, not about a military strike that takes the lives of innocent civilians. The right words for America’s action are: illegal, reckless, and unacceptable,” he added further.Congress MP Manish Tewari also joined the offensive, describing Rubio’s comments as unusually combative and devoid of empathy.“No regret , No remorse, no empathy, no sympathy. Abrupt, abrasive confrontational. @SecRubio could not have been more belligerent. The sub text in between the lines – is Indian sailors were responsible for what happened to them. Hardly the language you use with a country you call a friend,” Tewari said in a post on X.He further challenged Jaishankar to release India’s version of the conversation.“Rather than being namby pamby and wishy washy Jaishankar must put out his read out of the call . It would be interesting to know whether EAM Jaishankar stood upto this coarseness,” Tewari added.The political storm erupted after the US state department disclosed details of Rubio’s call with Jaishankar. According to Washington, Rubio stressed that commercial vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz must comply with directives issued by US forces.“Secretary of state Marco Rubio spoke yesterday with external affairs minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The two officials discussed recent events in the Strait of Hormuz. The Secretary stressed that all commercial vessels should immediately comply with orders from US forces as they seek to uphold peace and security in the Strait. He underscored that violations of the US blockade and the illicit transport of Iranian oil will not be tolerated,” the office of spokesperson said.Jaishankar, however, said he used the conversation to convey India’s strong protest over the attack that claimed the lives of three Indian mariners.“Spoke to US secretary of state Marco Rubio this evening. I reiterated India’s strong protest at the attacks by the US Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners. Such lethal actions against commercial shipping are not justified,” Jaishankar said in a post on X.The political fire at the Centre and Jaishankar’s phone-call with Rubio came amid constantly evolving situation in the Middle East.
