The “Sindoor not for sale” the Congress party’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence
The “Sindoor not for sale” controversy stems from the Congress party’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence in response to alleged trade threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, which reportedly influenced India’s decision to pause “Operation Sindoor” and agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan.
The “Sindoor not for sale” controversy stems from the Congress party’s criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence in response to alleged trade threats by U.S. President Donald Trump, which reportedly influenced India’s decision to pause “Operation Sindoor” and agree to a ceasefire with Pakistan.
Background
Operation Sindoor: While not explicitly defined in the sources, it appears to be a military or strategic operation, likely related to counter-terrorism or border security, given the context of the Pahalgam terror attack and India-Pakistan tensions. Congress claims it was halted due to U.S. pressure.
Pahalgam Terror Attack: A recent terror attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir, prompted strong reactions from the Indian opposition, with Congress initially supporting the government and military’s response, including Operation Sindoor.
Trump’s Alleged Claims: According to Congress and media reports, Trump claimed that, India and Pakistan agreed to a ceasefire after he threatened to cut trade ties with both nations.
The U.S. pressured India to halt Operation Sindoor.
The U.S. could mediate on the Kashmir issue, which Congress views as an attempt to internationalize a bilateral matter.
Congress’s Reaction: Senior Congress leaders, including Pawan Khera and Jairam Ramesh, criticized Modi’s silence during a public address shortly after Trump’s remarks. Khera’s phrase, “Sindoor ke saath sauda sambhav nahi” (no compromise on a woman’s dignity and sacrifice), symbolically ties the issue to national honor, with “sindoor” (vermilion, a symbol of married women’s sacrifice) representing India’s sovereignty.
Demand for Clarity: Congress has demanded a joint parliamentary session to discuss the Pahalgam attack, Operation Sindoor, and the ceasefire, questioning whether India succumbed to U.S. pressure or agreed to mediation on Kashmir.
Key Points of Contention
Modi’s Silence:Congress leaders expressed shock that Modi did not address Trump’s claims in his speech, especially given their timing (minutes before Modi’s address). They see this as a failure to defend India’s sovereignty.
The opposition questions why Modi did not clarify whether India agreed to U.S. mediation on Kashmir or halted Operation Sindoor under pressure.
Trump’s Trade Threats:
Trump allegedly claimed that his threat to sever trade ties with India and Pakistan led to the ceasefire and the pause of Operation Sindoor.
Congress views this as an insult to India’s autonomy, arguing that national security decisions should not be influenced by foreign trade pressures.
However, Indian government sources, cited by India Today TV, denied that trade was discussed in talks between Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and U.S. officials (including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio) during negotiations related to Operation Sindoor.
Ceasefire and Operation Sindoor:
Congress questions Modi’s announcement that Operation Sindoor was “temporarily suspended,” calling it unprecedented for a ceasefire to be labeled temporary. They speculate Pakistan could exploit this pause, raising doubts about whether the decision was made under U.S. duress.
The opposition supported Operation Sindoor initially, aligning with the government post-Pahalgam attack, but now demands transparency on why it was paused.
Kashmir Mediation:
Trump’s suggestion of U.S. mediation on the Kashmir issue is a sensitive point, as India has consistently maintained that Kashmir is a bilateral issue with Pakistan, rejecting third-party involvement.
Congress sees Trump’s remarks as an attempt to “internationalize” Kashmir, undermining India’s stance, and questions why Modi did not rebut this.
Indian Government’s Response
Government sources, as reported by PTI & ANI, refuted Trump’s claims, stating that trade was not a topic in discussions with U.S. officials. They emphasized that the India-Pakistan understanding (likely the ceasefire) was reached independently.
No official statement from Modi or the Ministry of External Affairs directly addressing Trump’s remarks is mentioned in the sources, which fuels Congress’s criticism of “silence.
”AnalysisCongress’s Strategy:
The opposition is leveraging Trump’s remarks to portray Modi as weak on national security and sovereignty, especially ahead of parliamentary discussions. The emotive “Sindoor not for sale” slogan aims to resonate with cultural and nationalistic sentiments, framing the issue as a matter of India’s pride.
Trump’s Remarks:
Trump’s history of using trade as a diplomatic tool (e.g., tariffs on China and India in his first term) lends plausibility to the claim of trade threats. However, without a direct quote or official U.S. statement, the specifics remain unverified.
Modi’s Silence:
Modi’s lack of response could be a diplomatic choice to avoid escalating tensions with the U.S., especially early in Trump’s second term (inaugurated January 2025). Alternatively, if no formal threat was made, Modi may see no need to dignify unverified claims.