Pakistan influence in West Asia setback to India, question mark on Vishwaguru's style: Congress

The Congress on Tuesday (July 14, 2026) said the bonhomie between the U.S. and Pakistan and Islamabad’s influence in West Asia is a “severe setback” to India, and poses a question mark on the “self-proclaimed Vishwaguru’s” style and substance.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh referred to a recent visit by Pakistan’s Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi at the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) headquarters and his welcome by FBI Director Kash Patel.

“The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the USA and Iran agreed to last month has now all but collapsed. But the bonhomie between the USA and Pakistan continues,” Mr. Ramesh said in a post on X.

The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between the USA and Iran agreed to last month has now all but collapsed. But the bonhomie between the USA and Pakistan continues. After President Trump, the Vice President, the Secretary of State, and the Central Command Chief, it is now… pic.twitter.com/NoEowKVxdf

— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) July 14, 2026

After U.S. President Donald Trump, the Vice-President, the secretary of state and the Central Command Chief, it is now the turn of FBI Director Patel to warmly embrace Pakistan, the Congress leader said.

“Yesterday, he praised Pakistan effusively when its Interior Minister met him. Something definitely more than diplomatic niceties is at play here.

“That this new position of influence held by Pakistan in West Asia and indeed in the world is a severe setback to India and a question mark on the substance and style of the self-proclaimed Vishwaguru is now beyond any doubt,” Mr. Ramesh said.

Mr. Patel had, in a post on X, shared a picture of him and Mr. Naqvi at the FBI headquarters.

“An honour to host the Pakistan Ministry of Interior, Mohsin Naqvi, here at Headquarters — the FBI deeply appreciates their support as we protect U.S. interests in the region. Important discussion surrounding facilitating resources and specialised training to combat counterterrorism financing and cyber investigations both at home and abroad.”

“Our partnership is critical and we look forward to more success ahead,” Mr. Patel said in his post.

Published – July 14, 2026 05:46 pm IST