New Delhi: Even though India invited heads of neighboring countries for the swearing-in ceremony of PM Modi scheduled to take place on June 9, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday bemoaned the lack of an invitation to Pakistan.

“I think that’s a good tradition of inviting the neighboring countries. But this time there’s one less. He has not invited Pakistan. So again, that also sends a signal…” Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said. “I have not been invited to the swearing-in, so I’ll be watching the (India vs Pakistan) match,” Tharoor added.

Prior to Narendra Modi’s inauguration as Prime Minister, Pakistan stated on Friday that it was “premature” to congratulate him. Pakistan’s Foreign Office spokesperson, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, made this comment when questioned about whether Pakistan had formally congratulated Modi on his electoral victory. Baloch mentioned that they had no remarks on India’s electoral process and emphasized that with the government still being formed in India, it was too early to discuss congratulating the Prime Minister.

Additionally, many leaders in Pakistan have expressed satisfaction over the BJP securing fewer seats in the Lok Sabha elections and Congress performing better. Former Pakistani diplomat Abdul Basit praised the Indian electorate on his X handle, stating, "The people of India deserve a lot of praise for rejecting communal bigotry and BJP's regressive 'Hindu Rashtra.'" Fawad Chaudhary, the former Information Minister in Imran Khan's government, also supported Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, openly calling for the removal of the Modi government. Chaudhary shared Rahul Gandhi's videos and Congress advertisements, predicting mid-term elections in India if the INDIA alliance strategizes effectively, doubting the longevity of Modi's government.

Pakistan's preference for the INDIA alliance stems from ideological similarities, such as opposition to the removal of Article 370 from Jammu and Kashmir, a move that Congress leader Digvijay Singh promised to reverse if his party came to power. Article 370 previously allowed Pakistani nationals to gain citizenship in Indian-administered Kashmir through marriage, aiding Pakistan's terrorism agenda.

Both Pakistan and Congress have historically opposed the construction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya, with Congress even questioning the existence of Ram in court to prevent the temple's construction. This stance aligns with Pakistan's interests. Additionally, during the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks, the Congress-led government denied the Indian Army permission for a retaliatory strike, with Congress leader Digvijay Singh further complicating matters by promoting the theory of "Hindu terrorism," despite clear evidence of Pakistani involvement.

Veteran Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar recently suggested that India should respect Pakistan due to its nuclear arsenal, arguing against strengthening India's military to avoid provoking Pakistan. In contrast, the Modi government maintains that talks with Pakistan cannot proceed until terrorism ceases. Furthermore, Pakistan supports the Congress manifesto's promise to allow Muslims in India to follow their personal laws, opposing the BJP's advocacy for a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

These shared stances explain Pakistan's support for the INDIA alliance and its desire to see the Modi government replaced.

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