Rahul Gandhi Questions Modi After Trump’s ‘5-Hour Ultimatum’ Claim

New Delhi, Aug 28:

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi after former U.S. President Donald Trump claimed he pressured India to halt military action against Pakistan within hours during a past conflict.

Speaking at a White House cabinet meeting, Trump said he had issued a 24-hour ultimatum to New Delhi. Gandhi alleged Modi ended Operation Sindoor in just five hours, suggesting the government acted under foreign pressure.

The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) rejected the allegation. Mumbai BJP leader Pallavi CT said U.S. tariffs on Indian exports showed Washington had not spared India, while party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari dismissed Gandhi’s comments as baseless.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told Parliament there were no calls between Modi and Trump during the period. Modi has also said no foreign leader requested suspension of the operation.

Trump has repeatedly claimed credit for defusing tensions between India and Pakistan, saying he threatened trade sanctions. Washington has since imposed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, citing New Delhi’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

The dispute has become a political flashpoint, with the opposition targeting Modi over Trump’s remarks and the government presenting him as standing firm against outside influence.