Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar has come under sharp criticism after reportedly using unparliamentary and offensive language during an all-party meeting.
India Today reported on Wednesday that the foreign minister had said India “cannot act as a ‘dalal nation’ in global geopolitics,” in reference to concerns raised by the opposition over Pakistan mediating talks between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing Middle East conflict.
This reaction is, in fact, a reflection of the reality that New Delhi was completely excluded from the ongoing mediation process between the United States, Israel, and Iran, where Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt have emerged as reliable diplomatic bridges.
Reactions:
Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said that Jaishankar thought of himself as “a hi-fi dalal”, adding that the remarks “reflect personal frustration.”
Thinks of himself a hi fi dalal, remarks reflect personal frustration. https://t.co/2Rr5hZG6Da
— Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) March 26, 2026
It seems the Modi’s Dalal, Babu Jaishankar and his cabal have lost all their marbles after May War last year. He seems to be infected with a self destructive virus besides a diplomatic dementia losing everything he had learnt in the diplomatic school. Fact is that he is a Dalal…
— Murtaza Solangi (@murtazasolangi) March 26, 2026
The former minister Engr. Khurram Dastgir Khan, called the language used by Jaishankar “reprehensible”.
“Pakistan was the nemesis to Hindutva hubris in May 2025 and remains so,” he said, alluding to a clash between the two countries last year.
Reprehensible language by Hindutva Minister.
Pakistan was the nemesis to Hindutva hubris in May 2025 & remains so.
Hubris is rotting into calumny. https://t.co/fY9hPW8kJX
— Engr. Khurram Dastgir-Khan (HI) (@kdastgirkhan) March 26, 2026
The controversy comes amid growing domestic unease over India’s foreign policy. While Pakistan has been praised for its mediation efforts from facilitating U.S-China relations to supporting Gulf stability India’s claims of influence, including Modi’s earlier statements on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have faced skepticism on the global stage.
Experts point out that India’s diplomatic efforts, including its support for Israel and inconsistent approach toward Iran, have weakened its credibility, while Pakistan continues to build trust as a neutral and reliable actor.
Historical tensions, such as India’s role in the 1971 Bangladesh crisis, continue to influence perceptions of New Delhi’s mediation capabilities.
International reactions suggest that global leaders from Malaysia to Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East are increasingly recognizing Pakistan’s constructive role in regional diplomacy.
Analysts say Jaishankar’s remarks, rather than strengthening India’s position, highlight growing insecurity and the limitations of rhetoric in global affairs.
