Overview

• Speaking at the Navi Mumbai airport inauguration, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the UPA stopped a planned strike after 26/11 due to pressure from a third country and demanded Congress identify it.
• Modi argued that the decision not to retaliate projected weakness, strengthened terrorism, and led to further loss of life.
• He contrasted that episode with his government's posture, asserting that India now hits enemies inside their bases and citing Operation Sindoor as evidence.
• Chidambaram had said in a recent interview that foreign leaders urged India not to escalate after 26/11, mentioning a visit by U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and the influence of the MEA and IFS.
• The exchange unfolds as U.S. President Donald Trump claims credit for halting Operation Sindoor, a claim India disputes, while Opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav accuse Modi of agreeing to a ceasefire under U.S. pressure.