Congress Demands Clarity on US Ceasefire Role in Kashmir

NEW DELHI:
The Congress party on Sunday raised serious concerns over recent US announcements regarding a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, calling the move “unprecedented” and questioning whether the Indian government has accepted third-party mediation on the Kashmir issue.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters, Congress leader Sachin Pilot said the government must come clean on the developments and convene a special session of Parliament and an all-party meeting chaired by the Prime Minister to brief the nation.

“We were all surprised when the US President announced a ceasefire between India and Pakistan through social media,” Pilot said. “This is the first time a third country has made such an announcement on behalf of both India and Pakistan, effectively trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue and hyphenate the two countries once again.”

Pilot questioned the circumstances under which the ceasefire was agreed upon, the role of the US, and whether India’s longstanding position rejecting mediation had changed. “Who is the US to decide where and when India and Pakistan should meet, or what qualifies as a neutral site?” he asked.

The Congress leader reiterated that Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) is an integral part of India and referenced the 1994 Parliamentary resolution affirming India’s claim. “Has there been a shift in that position? If not, why is there ambiguity around the ceasefire and the role of a third party?” he said.

He criticized US officials, including the Secretary of State, for making references to Kashmir in their statements and questioned how Washington could first claim it’s “none of our business” and then lead ceasefire announcements.

While Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri confirmed a mutual ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan, Pilot pressed for transparency on the terms. “After the ceasefire announcement, violations occurred again. What is the credibility of this agreement? What guarantees do we have this won’t be repeated?”

Calling for unity in a time of national security challenges, Pilot acknowledged the “bravery and professionalism” of the Indian armed forces and said they have the full support of the opposition.

He also cited historical precedent, recalling how former PM Indira Gandhi ignored US pressure during the 1971 war and prioritized India’s national interest. “That government showed leadership. Today, the same clarity and firmness are needed,” he said.

Pilot concluded by warning against any return to a “hyphenated” India-Pakistan narrative and urged the government to “take the country and all parties into confidence.”

Key Demands from Congress:

• Clarification on whether India accepted third-party mediation
• A special Parliament session and all-party meeting
• Reaffirmation of the 1994 resolution on PoK
• Firm rejection of any foreign interference in bilateral matters
• Greater transparency on ceasefire terms and national security strategy

The Congress has positioned this issue as not just a diplomatic matter but one of national sovereignty, urging the government to uphold India’s stated policy that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with no space for external involvement.