What is the US really up to?: Jairam Ramesh slams invitation to Pakistan Army Chief for US Army Day

Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has strongly criticised the United States for inviting Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff, General Asim Munir, to participate in the 250th anniversary celebrations of the US Army on June 14. The invitation has triggered diplomatic concerns in India, with Ramesh calling it a significant setback to India’s global counter-terrorism positioning.

In a post on X, Ramesh pointed to General Munir’s recent provocative statements, which he said came just days before the terror attacks in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. "This is the man who spoke in such incendiary and provocative language just before the Pahalgam terror attacks. What is the US really up to? This is another huge diplomatic setback for India," Ramesh said.

He also took issue with recent remarks by the head of the US Central Command, who described Pakistan as a "great partner in the counter-terrorism campaign." Ramesh questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s response to this development, asking, “What will our Prime Minister and his ovation say to this? Is this not a diplomatic setback for India?"

General Munir is expected to arrive in Washington, D.C. this week to attend the commemorative events marking the US Army’s founding. The main parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 14 — a date that also coincides with US President Donald Trump's birthday. The celebration will feature approximately 6,600 soldiers, over 150 military vehicles, and 50 aircraft, making it one of the largest such events in recent history.