New Delhi: Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has sparked a political storm by admitting that India chose not to retaliate against Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack due to pressure from world powers, including the United States.
In a recent interview with ABP Live, Chidambaram revealed that then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice rushed to Delhi days after the attacks, urging the Manmohan Singh government not to “react.”
“The whole world descended on Delhi to say ‘don’t start a war’,” Chidambaram recalled.
“It did cross my mind that we should do something by way of retribution, but after discussions with the Prime Minister and senior officials, the decision was taken not to physically react.”
After 17 years, Chidambaram, Former Home Minister admits what the nation knew — 26/11 was mishandled due to pressure from foreign powers. Too little, too late.#CongressFailedNationalSecurity pic.twitter.com/bbWWM5X5gu
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 29, 2025
BJP Attacks, Links 2008 to Present Day
The admission has given fresh ammunition to the BJP, which accused the Congress-led UPA government of bowing to foreign pressure at a time when the nation demanded justice.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hit out on X, writing:
“After 17 years, Chidambaram admits what the nation already knew — 26/11 was mishandled due to foreign pressure. Too little, too late.”
The row comes even as the Opposition has been targeting the Modi government over Operation Sindoor, called off in May 2025 following the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 civilians.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi “surrendered” to pressure from former US President Donald Trump during the May 7–10 standoff with Pakistan.
“Trump told Modi, ‘Narendra, surrender’… and Modi said, ‘ji huzoor’,” Rahul claimed, accusing the BJP of being soft under global pressure.
The BJP, however, strongly denied any international intervention. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar clarified there was “no phone call” between Modi and Trump during the conflict.
After 17 years, Chidambaram, Former Home Minister admits what the nation knew — 26/11 was mishandled due to pressure from foreign powers. Too little, too late.#CongressFailedNationalSecurity pic.twitter.com/bbWWM5X5gu
— Pralhad Joshi (@JoshiPralhad) September 29, 2025
26/11: A Dark Chapter
The 26/11 attacks, carried out by 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorists from Pakistan, left over 170 people dead and more than 300 injured across Mumbai.
Targets included the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Oberoi Trident, CST station, Nariman House, and Leopold Café. The siege lasted nearly 60 hours before Indian forces neutralised nine attackers, with Ajmal Kasab captured alive and later executed in 2012.
The massacre reshaped India’s counter-terror and coastal security strategy, but ties with Pakistan hit a new low.
Congress Leaders React
Not all in the Congress are happy with Chidambaram’s revelation. Party veteran Raashid Alvi criticised him sharply, saying:
“Why did he stay silent then? He should have resigned instead of making such remarks now. This only weakens the Congress and strengthens the BJP at a time Rahul Gandhi is taking on Modi.”
Chidambaram’s candid admission has not only reopened old wounds from 2008 but also added fuel to today’s political battle over how governments—past and present—handle foreign pressure in moments of crisis.
