Salman Khurshid Defends Pro-Government Remarks Amid Congress Discomfort Over Operation Sindoor Outreach
Facing criticism from within the Congress for his seemingly pro-government stance during the diplomatic outreach following Operation Sindoor, senior party leader Salman Khurshid has defended his remarks, asserting that there should be no division when it comes to national security.
Speaking to ANI in Malaysia, Khurshid emphasized that while political differences are natural and necessary in a democracy, such differences should be reserved for domestic discourse, not international platforms.
“There can be no divergence of opinion when the issue is national defence,” Khurshid stated. “Differences must be expressed within the country, through the Indian democratic system.
But when we represent India on a global stage, the priority must be the nation, not politics.”
Khurshid is part of a multi-party delegation led by JD(U) leader Sanjay Jha that has been tasked with presenting a unified Indian stance abroad in the wake of Operation Sindoor.
He clarified that his participation, and that of other opposition leaders, was backed by their respective parties. “We are here because our parties endorsed it. Once here, we speak in one voice,” he said.
Brushing aside allegations that he was siding with the Modi government, Khurshid said, “People ask whether I support the government. I didn’t come here to oppose the Government of India.
If that was my aim, I’d have stayed back. I’m here to speak for India, and that should be everyone’s goal. Anyone who speaks for India deserves support in this mission.”
He also took to social media to express frustration at critics questioning the intent of opposition leaders involved in the mission.
“It’s disheartening to see people back home dissecting political affiliations when we are united in taking India’s message to the world in the fight against terrorism.
Is patriotism that hard to understand?” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, Khurshid’s remarks have stirred discomfort within the Congress. Senior leader Jairam Ramesh recently voiced his disapproval, saying, “Our MPs are roaming while the terrorists are roaming too.”
The comment hinted at unease within the party over members aligning too closely with the BJP-led government’s narrative abroad.
Other Congress leaders such as Shashi Tharoor and Manish Tewari have also echoed government positions on select issues during the outreach, further intensifying internal debates within the party over how closely its representatives should align with the Centre on matters of national interest.
Despite the criticism, Khurshid maintained that when it comes to counter-terrorism and national security, political boundaries must blur.
“This mission is brief—10 to 12 days. But during this time, the only priority is the country. That’s the approach we’ve all taken,” he said.
As India continues its global diplomatic efforts following Operation Sindoor, the episode underscores the complex balancing act for opposition leaders trying to walk the line between party loyalty and national unity.
