"Rahul Gandhi Slams Jaishankar Over Operation Sindoor: ‘Informing Pakistan Before Attack Was a Crime’"

In a blistering attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Ministry of External Affairs, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday termed External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s recent statement on Operation Sindoor as “a national betrayal” and “a crime against the country.” Gandhi's sharp reaction came in response to Jaishankar’s controversial disclosure that Pakistan was informed in advance about India’s military strike during the Operation Sindoor mission.

Addressing a press conference in New Delhi, Rahul Gandhi questioned the very rationale behind such a move, asserting that revealing any detail of a military operation to an adversarial nation like Pakistan undermines the integrity, morale, and operational safety of Indian armed forces. “Who informs the enemy before a strike? Is this diplomacy or cowardice? This is not just a mistake; it is a crime,” he said sternly.

Operation Sindoor, which was conducted in a sensitive border region, has been projected by the BJP government as a landmark moment in India’s strategic and military assertion. However, Jaishankar’s revelation that the Pakistani government had been forewarned of the operation's intent has led to widespread political uproar.

“This isn’t about politics. This is about our soldiers, our national security, and the lives that are at stake on the frontlines,” Gandhi remarked, questioning the strategic logic behind such diplomatic transparency. He demanded a formal investigation into the chain of decision-making that led to this disclosure and called for accountability at the highest levels.

The Congress leader also took a dig at the BJP’s often repeated slogan of “zero tolerance towards terrorism,” saying that the current government seems more interested in managing international optics than ensuring real security. “This is the same government that claims to be tough on terror. If informing Pakistan before a strike is their idea of toughness, then every citizen should be alarmed,” he added.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks quickly stirred political reactions across party lines. While BJP spokespersons dismissed the comments as "an attempt to politicize national security," some retired military experts also raised concerns about the protocol and communication strategy around military operations.

In Parliament, opposition MPs demanded a clarification from the Prime Minister, asking whether due cabinet and military protocol had been followed before Jaishankar made his comments public.

Meanwhile, public sentiment on social media appeared divided, with hashtags like #NationalSecurity and #Jaishankar under fire trending across platforms. Many citizens echoed Gandhi’s concern that pre-warning an adversarial state not only weakens India’s strategic position but could also endanger the lives of personnel on the ground.

As the political storm around Operation Sindoor intensifies, Rahul Gandhi’s attack may open up a deeper conversation on transparency, security protocols, and the role of diplomacy in sensitive military matters. Whether this controversy will lead to policy changes or remain a flashpoint in the ongoing BJP-Congress rivalry remains to be seen.