Was India set to strike Pakistan after 26/11? Chidambaram’s remark sparks BJP backlash

Congress veteran reveals UPA refrained from military action against Pakistan after 26/11 due to foreign pressure

Chidambaram recalls UPA’s dilemma post Mumbai terror attack

Senior Congress leader P Chidambaram has claimed that India was prepared to hit back at Pakistan after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack. However, the UPA government eventually held back due to global pressure. At that time, the country was reeling under one of the deadliest terror strikes carried out by the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba.

“Retribution did cross my mind,” says Chidambaram

Speaking in an interview, Chidambaram shared how the US urged India not to retaliate. “Two or three days after I took charge, Condoleezza Rice met me and the Prime Minister and said, ‘please don’t react’. I replied that the government will decide. But yes, the thought of retribution crossed my mind,” he stated.

Manmohan Singh discussed retaliation during attacks

According to Chidambaram, then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh even considered a military response while the Mumbai attacks were unfolding. Despite this, the External Affairs Ministry and top diplomats advised the government not to launch any physical retaliation.

26/11 left Mumbai scarred for four days

The 2008 terror attack shook the nation as ten armed terrorists carried out coordinated strikes across Mumbai. Over four days of horror, at least 160 people lost their lives, and hundreds were injured in the deadly assault.

BJP accuses Congress of “mishandling” the crisis

The BJP has often accused the Congress of going soft on Pakistan and terrorism. Chidambaram’s recent disclosure reignited political debate, drawing sharp criticism from the ruling party.

“Too little, too late,” says Pralhad Joshi

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi hit out at Congress, accusing it of bowing to international pressure. “After 17 years, Chidambaram admits what the country already knew — 26/11 was mishandled. Too little, too late,” Joshi remarked.

BJP calls Congress “anti-India”

BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari also attacked the Congress, branding its leadership as “anti-India.” He alleged that Sonia Gandhi never wanted India to strike Pakistan after 26/11. “From Batla House to 26/11 to Operation Sindoor to Operation Tilak, the Gandhi Vadra family has always acted against India’s interests,” he posted on X.

UPA avoided retaliation due to global pressure

Chidambaram’s revelation has reignited debate on whether India should have responded militarily after 26/11. The former Home Minister admitted that while retribution was considered, the government chose restraint because of international pressure and advice from the foreign ministry.