**‘Pakistan Felt Like Home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda Bats for Talks**
*By Chanshimla Varah | Sep 19, 2025, 01:23 PM*
Sam Pitroda, a prominent Congress leader and chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has called for a significant shift in India’s foreign policy to focus more on its neighboring countries. Emphasizing the importance of cultural and social ties, Pitroda stressed the need to improve relations with these nations.
“Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighborhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbors? I’ve been to Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and I feel at home,” Pitroda said.
### Political Backlash
Pitroda’s remarks have triggered sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.” He further alleged that it was no surprise the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) took no tough action against Pakistan following the 26/11 attacks.
Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also condemned Pitroda, accusing the Congress of harboring an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X, he stated, “They give clean chit to Pak on 26/11, Samjhauta, Pulwama, and Pahalgam. They give 80% water to Pak under IWT! They love Pakistan! INC is Islamabad National Congress. Sam Pitroda who divides Indians & stays in US away from India finds a home in Pakistan! Is anyone surprised?”
### Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Pitroda has courted political controversy. In February, he suggested that India tends to exaggerate the threat from China and called for a collaborative approach rather than treating Beijing as an enemy. “Our approach has been confrontational from the very beginning, and this attitude creates enemies, which in turn garners support within the country. We need to change this mindset and stop assuming that China is the enemy from day one,” Pitroda stated.
As debates around foreign policy continue, Pitroda’s statements highlight a faction within Congress advocating for dialogue and rapprochement with India’s neighbors, amidst fierce political pushback.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story
