The Indian National Congress has once again mounted pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, questioning his silence and seeking a full-fledged debate in Parliament over the country's national security and foreign policy post the Pahalgam terror attack. With the monsoon session of Parliament approaching, the Congress party is building momentum by demanding clarity, consultation, and accountability on matters of national importance.

The questions are being raised after the Prime Minister met the members of seven multi-party parliamentary delegations that were recently sent abroad to convey India’s strong message against terrorism. These delegations were tasked with international outreach following the Pahalgam attack and the launch of Operation Sindoor.

What Happened in Pahalgam and Why It Matters

The Pahalgam terror attack shocked the nation, raising concerns about terror infrastructure revival in regions bordering Pakistan. The attack underscored the fragility of peace in Jammu and Kashmir and highlighted gaps in both intelligence and border security.

The Indian government responded with Operation Sindoor, reportedly targeting terrorist infrastructure and operatives across the border. However, the details of this operation and the strategic follow-up actions have not been officially shared with the public or with opposition leaders.

The Congress now argues that in the absence of transparent communication, the public and political representatives remain in the dark regarding India’s future strategy, especially regarding relations with Pakistan and China.

Congress Demands Debate in Parliament

On June 11, 2025, Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, posted a strong statement on social media asking whether PM Modi would agree to a debate in Parliament during the upcoming monsoon session.

He asked whether the Prime Minister, after having met the parliamentary delegations that visited foreign capitals to push India’s anti-terror message, would now chair an all-party meeting to discuss India’s security roadmap. Ramesh pointed out that such transparency is necessary given the sensitive geopolitical challenges that India faces on its western and northern borders.

Ramesh also criticised the government’s decision to reject the INDIA bloc’s request for a special session of Parliament to debate these issues. He termed the rejection as unfortunate, given the seriousness of the national security situation.

CDS Remarks Bring New Questions

The urgency of Congress’s demand intensified after recent comments by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan. While speaking in Singapore, Gen Chauhan revealed that India had revised its military tactics and launched deep strikes inside Pakistan after losing aircraft during a military confrontation.

He further dismissed Pakistan’s claims of having shot down six Indian jets, calling the claim absolutely incorrect. These revelations have significant strategic implications, particularly when viewed in the context of India’s evolving military doctrine and regional deterrence efforts.

Jairam Ramesh referred to these remarks in his post, suggesting that such significant disclosures by a top defence official warrant a detailed debate in Parliament. The Congress believes that these statements reflect a shift in India’s defence posture, one that should not go unexamined in a democratic forum.

Call for All-Party Meetings

Beyond the demand for a parliamentary debate, the Congress has urged the Prime Minister to convene a series of meetings with leaders from all political parties. The objective is to take the nation into confidence and develop a unified strategy against common threats.

Ramesh emphasised that a functioning democracy must include consultation, consensus, and clarity, especially on matters as grave as cross-border terrorism, diplomatic challenges with China, and defence preparedness.

He also questioned why the Prime Minister, who hosted delegations abroad, has not found the time to directly engage with Indian political leaders, who represent millions of citizens and have a stake in national policy.

Opposition’s Frustration Grows

The Congress is not alone in expressing dismay. The entire INDIA bloc has been frustrated by what they describe as the central government’s reluctance to engage meaningfully with the Opposition. According to them, this marks a pattern where the Parliament is used more for formal addresses and symbolic gestures, and less for actual democratic debate and decision-making.

The demand for a special session to discuss the Pahalgam attack, India’s outreach, and China-Pakistan strategy was an attempt to restore Parliament’s relevance in shaping national policy. But the government’s rejection of the proposal has only further fuelled concerns about democratic backsliding.

Public Pressure and Future Strategy

With media and civil society also discussing India’s foreign policy decisions post-Pahalgam, the pressure on the government is likely to increase. The Congress party’s push for a structured debate could strike a chord with many Indians who are eager to understand how their government is responding to escalating regional tensions.

There’s also a growing sentiment that India, as a global democratic leader, must demonstrate institutional transparency and consultative governance, especially in matters related to national defence and foreign affairs.

Conclusion

The Congress party's call for a full debate in Parliament on post-Pahalgam national security is more than just a political manoeuvre. It reflects growing concern over the lack of formal discourse on critical strategic issues that affect India’s future.

By citing the Prime Minister’s meetings with foreign delegates and the Chief of Defence Staff’s recent disclosures, the Opposition is building a compelling case for transparency, engagement, and responsibility.

Whether PM Modi responds with openness or continues with a closed-door governance model, the monsoon session of Parliament will likely be a key litmus test for democratic accountability in India’s national security landscape.

Disclaimer

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