Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures after making disparaging comments about Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the ongoing US-Israel conflict involving Iran. During an all-party meeting in India, Jaishankar dismissed Pakistan’s mediation efforts, stating that India does not consider itself a “dalaal” (broker) like Pakistan, implying that Pakistan’s role is insignificant and longstandingly influenced by the US since 1981.
This statement came amid reports suggesting Pakistan is actively positioning itself as a key facilitator to help negotiate an end to the conflict through discreet diplomatic channels. Notably, Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir recently engaged in a telephonic conversation with US President Donald Trump, a contact confirmed by the White House. Senior Pakistani officials have been reportedly coordinating communications between Tehran and prominent US figures such as Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Furthermore, Islamabad is reportedly being considered as a potential venue for a high-level meeting between the United States and Iran, possibly later this week, with US Vice President JD Vance expected to attend if the plan proceeds.
In response to Jaishankar’s remarks, Pakistan’s Defence Minister Khawaja Asif criticized the Indian minister, suggesting that Jaishankar perceives himself as a “hi-fi dalal” and that his comments reveal personal frustration. Meanwhile, Murtaza Solangi, spokesperson for President Asif Ali Zardari, condemned the statements, accusing Jaishankar and his associates of diplomatic incompetence following the May War last year. Solangi described Jaishankar as being afflicted by a “self-destructive virus” and “diplomatic dementia,” asserting that his efforts to isolate Pakistan have instead resulted in India’s isolation.
Former caretaker foreign minister Jalil Abbas Jilani also condemned the language used by Jaishankar, calling it indicative of a “sick mindset” and warning that reducing diplomacy to insults may serve domestic politics but undermines peace efforts. Similarly, former Sindh governor Imran Ismail found the comments peculiar, noting that India’s foreign policy often appears transactional, suggesting India is compromising its independence for external interests.
Former power minister Khurram Dastgir Khan described Jaishankar’s language as “reprehensible,” emphasizing that Pakistan remains a significant counterforce to Hindutva nationalism, especially after the May 2025 conflict.
Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has faced criticism from the opposition for allegedly isolating India by aligning with Israel ahead of the war. Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi labeled Modi’s foreign policy as “compromised,” criticizing the Prime Minister’s recent parliamentary speeches where he referenced the Covid pandemic in relation to the West Asia crisis. Gandhi accused Modi of prioritizing the interests of the US and Israel over those of India and its farmers, dismissing the government’s foreign policy as a “universal joke.” He asserted that Modi’s decisions are dictated by external powers rather than national interests.
