The Indian National Congress party has launched a fresh critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign policy, particularly questioning how Pakistan has emerged as a mediator in talks between the United States and Iran. This development follows a ceasefire in the West Asia conflict and comes as US Vice President JD Vance arrives in Islamabad for negotiations with Iranian officials. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh highlighted the contradiction in India's diplomatic efforts, particularly after the Pahalgam terror attack in April 2025, which was attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorists. He criticized Modi's 'huglomacy' and questioned the effectiveness of India's strategy to isolate Pakistan, contrasting it with the previous Congress-led UPA government's success in doing so after the November 2008 Mumbai terror attacks. Ramesh also raised concerns about India's recent diplomatic engagements with China and the lack of a proactive role for India in the BRICS+ grouping regarding peace initiatives. The government, however, has defended its approach, stating that Pakistan's role as a conduit for US-Iran relations is not new and emphasizing that Modi has urged for an end to the ongoing conflict in West Asia.