Rahul Gandhi Critiques Global Response to Pahalgam Attack in Lok Sabha

In a recent Lok Sabha session, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticized the global response to the Pahalgam attack, highlighting the lack of condemnation towards Pakistan. He emphasized the need for political will to empower India's armed forces and called for accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding security failures. The discussion also touched on the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan following military strikes in response to the attack. Gandhi's remarks raise questions about the government's preparedness and intelligence failures in preventing such incidents. This article delves into the key points raised during the debate and the implications for national security.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 29, 2025, 18:57 IST

Global Reaction to Terrorism Under Scrutiny

Following the recent attack in Pahalgam, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi expressed concern in the Lok Sabha that while nations condemned terrorism, none specifically denounced Pakistan. He remarked, “This indicates that the world is placing us on the same level as Pakistan.” This statement was made during a discussion regarding the Pahalgam terror incident and Operation Sindoor.

Gandhi emphasized the need for political resolve to empower the armed forces, advocating for them to be granted complete operational freedom.

He referenced comments made by Captain Shiv Kumar, India's defence attaché in Indonesia, who indicated that the Indian Air Force had lost aircraft to Pakistan during Operation Sindoor due to restrictions imposed by political leaders.

On June 10, Kumar noted that India had lost “some aircraft” because of the limitations set by political authorities against targeting military installations or Pakistani air defenses.

In his address, Gandhi asserted that the armed forces had not committed any tactical mistakes that would have resulted in their aircraft being shot down.

Relations between India and Pakistan intensified on May 7 when the Indian military executed strikes, dubbed Operation Sindoor, targeting what it claimed were terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

These strikes were a direct response to the Pahalgam terror attack that occurred on April 22, resulting in the deaths of 26 individuals.

In retaliation, the Pakistan Army launched repeated shelling on Indian villages along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, leading to the deaths of at least 22 Indian civilians and seven military personnel.

On May 10, both nations reached an agreement to cease hostilities after four days of conflict.

Call for Accountability from Congress Leaders

Amit Shah Should Be Held Accountable: Mallikarjun Kharge

Before Gandhi's remarks, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge stated that Union Home Minister Amit Shah should take accountability for the Pahalgam attack, rather than Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha.

In a July 14 interview, Sinha acknowledged his responsibility for the Pahalgam incident, labeling it as a significant security failure.

In the Rajya Sabha, Kharge questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's decision to cancel a visit to Kashmir shortly before the Pahalgam attack, asking, “Did the government foresee an attack? Is it patriotic to allow others to suffer?”

He also pointed out that several terror incidents, including those in Uri, Pathankot, Pulwama, and Pahalgam, have occurred during the current administration's tenure.

Kharge concluded that these events highlight a persistent failure in intelligence and national security.