Congress Slams Modi Foreign Policy Amid Global Events

The Congress party launched a fierce offensive against the federal government, alleging that its diplomatic approach over the past 12 years prioritized public relations over core national interests. The critique comes amid global preparations for International Yoga Day and internal political divisions over maritime security in West Asia.

The Congress party’s media and publicity chairman, Pawan Khera, claimed the administration compromised India’s strategic autonomy and weakened its international standing. Speaking at a press briefing, Khera asserted that foreign policy decisions have driven personal image-building rather than safeguarding territorial sovereignty.

Khera highlighted a security incident in the Gulf of Oman where a US airstrike killed three Indian seafarers. He alleged the government failed to secure an official apology or expression of regret from US President Donald Trump.

According to the senior opposition leader, despite claims that the matter was raised directly with the US administration, no formal condolences were issued. He stated that the American president’s description of such occurrences as part of a “rough profession” signaled indifference toward Indian lives.

The opposition leader further argued that public interactions and remarks from the US President caused diplomatic embarrassment for the country and its 1.4 billion citizens.

Khera stated that India’s global credibility has degraded under the current leadership. He criticized the Prime Minister for maintaining silence on critical developments affecting national dignity.

Listing alleged diplomatic setbacks, Khera argued that New Delhi’s strategic importance to Washington has decreased. He cited the removal of “Indo” from the renamed US Indo-Pacific Command as a primary indicator.

He additionally pointed to an inaccurate military map released by the United States that excluded Jammu and Kashmir. Furthermore, he noted the US State Department’s suspension of EB-2 and EB-5 visa categories for Indian nationals in the July 2026 visa bulletin.

The political leader expressed concern over a bilateral trade framework that allegedly favors Washington. He warned the arrangement could negatively impact domestic farmers, traders, and MSMEs.

Khera criticized the government for failing to challenge statements by the US President claiming personal intervention to halt regional hostilities during Operation Sindoor.

The briefing also highlighted comments mocking the BRICS bloc as a fading entity, alongside threats of a 10% tariff on nations challenging the US dollar. Khera claimed the administration failed to mount a defense.

He asserted that the government has systematically abandoned traditional principles of non-alignment and strategic autonomy, alleging that foreign policy directions are increasingly dictated by Washington.

Khera demanded formal clarification from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the specific points raised with the US administration concerning the Gulf of Oman fatalities.

The opposition concluded that India is increasingly treated as a junior partner rather than an equal sovereign power in international affairs.

He emphasized that the public would not tolerate compromises on territorial sovereignty or national honor.

PM Modi to lead Yoga Day event in Kolkata; Indian missions roll out global celebrations

International Day of Yoga was proclaimed by the United Nations on December 11, 2014 with June 21 chosen as the annual day of observance

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will anchor the central national event for the 12th International Day of Yoga from the historic Red Road in Kolkata on Sunday, as diplomatic missions finalize global events under the 2026 theme, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing.”

The annual global event, observed on June 21, features mass demonstrations, public health outreach campaigns, and community gatherings worldwide.

The Prime Minister arrived in West Bengal on Saturday for a two-day visit and will head an 80-minute instructional session starting at 6:30 AM.

Organizers expect more than 30,000 attendees at the primary venue, despite regional weather forecasts predicting rain and thunderstorms across parts of the state.

Site infrastructure is complete, featuring massive stages, ceremonial gates, and promotional materials detailing the health-centric focus of the event.

Pre-event mobilization in the city included a synchronized run across 11 sites, alongside a planned light show utilizing 3,000 drones and riverboat sessions.

In Bengaluru, transport authorities confirmed that metro rail operations will commence early at 5:00 AM on Sunday to transport participants to early venues.

The chosen focus, “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” emphasizes physical mobility, mental resilience, and preventive care for expanding global elderly demographics.

The global event was established by the United Nations General Assembly on December 11, 2014, via Resolution 69/131, designating June 21 for annual promotion. The UN notes the platform builds awareness of the wellness practice originating from India.

The Ministry of Culture has scheduled synchronized events at 100 heritage locations nationwide to connect historic architecture with wellness practices.

Diplomatic channels and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations are managing international gatherings across approximately 2,500 venues spanning more than 210 foreign missions.

On Saturday, embassy officials launched initial sessions from the Middle East to North America, including a mass gathering of 2,200 people at the Boulevard Cricket Stadium in Kuwait.

Parallel diplomatic events rolled out across Finland, the Philippines, Fiji, Colombia, Armenia, and multiple cities in the United States.

Organizers stated the 2026 edition positions the practice as a comprehensive public health asset to support active, multi-generational living standards globally.

Modi praise over sailors’ safety: Why Tharoor keeps unsettling Congress

Shashi Tharoor backed PM Modi’s message to Trump on Indian sailors’ safety, giving BJP fresh ammunition against Congress criticism after G7

Congress lawmaker Shashi Tharoor publicly defended the Prime Minister’s diplomatic interventions with US President Donald Trump regarding the safety of civilian mariners, diverging from his party’s official stance.

The statements followed opposition questioning over whether the administration adequately addressed maritime security risks during bilateral talks at the G7 Summit in Canada.

Tharoor countered the criticism by affirming that the Prime Minister successfully communicated national anxieties regarding merchant crews trapped in geopolitical crossfire.

The central opposition apparatus has continuously sought to challenge the government’s security narrative following the execution of Operation Sindoor.

However, Tharoor, who previously managed an all-party parliamentary delegation following the operation, has consistently maintained a less adversarial posture on external security.

His supportive comments provided political leverage to the ruling party to counter broader opposition arguments on international relations.

Thousands of domestic mariners operate commercial vessels throughout critical trade bottlenecks, including the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Regional escalations from the Israel-Iran conflict have heightened risks for global energy supply corridors.

New Delhi maintains close surveillance on the shipping routes due to the direct impact of transport disruptions on energy imports and citizen employment.

During the G7 discussions, the Prime Minister flagged civilian safety concerns in volatile waters and reiterated that diplomatic dialogue remains India’s preferred resolution path.

Tharoor’s independent stance comes amid ongoing internal scrutiny regarding his positioning within the legislative party.

His previous involvement in state-led diplomatic delegations had caused discomfort among party colleagues, who questioned his evolving role in bipartisan outreach.

The lawmaker defended his position by stating that matters of national defense and external security must remain entirely independent of partisan politics.

NTA readies for NEET-UG re-test on June 21

Future Outlook

As global geopolitical tensions remain high in 2026, maritime security for civilian vessels will continue to dominate India’s bilateral dialogues with Western powers. Simultaneously, the soft-power projection of International Yoga Day serves to balance tough diplomatic maneuvering with cultural outreach, cementing India’s dual strategy of strategic engagement and global lifestyle influence.

FAQs

Why is the Congress party criticizing the government’s foreign policy?

The Congress party alleges that the administration has prioritized personal public relations over national strategic interests, leading to a perceived erosion of strategic autonomy and compromised safety for citizens abroad.

Where is the main event for the 12th International Day of Yoga being held?

The primary national celebration for the 12th International Day of Yoga is being held at the historic Red Road in Kolkata, led by the Prime Minister.

What is the official theme for the International Day of Yoga in 2026?

The official theme for the 2026 celebrations is “Yoga for Healthy Ageing,” highlighting physical fitness, mobility, and preventive healthcare for aging populations.

Why did Shashi Tharoor’s comments cause internal political friction?

Shashi Tharoor publicly supported the Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts to protect Indian mariners in conflict zones, which directly contradicted the more critical, confrontational stance taken by other leaders within his own party.