Centre Signals Willingness to Discuss Operation Sindoor, Trump’s Mediation Claim in Parliament

The Central government on Sunday expressed readiness to hold a discussion on Operation Sindoor and other pressing national issues, including U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial claim of mediating a ceasefire between India and Pakistan. The indication came during an all-party meeting held on the eve of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins Monday.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government is open to debating matters of national significance. “We are open to discussing important issues such as Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. These are issues of great national importance, and the government will never shy away from a discussion,” he said after the meeting.

The meeting, attended by 54 leaders from various parties, saw the Opposition—including the Congress, Samajwadi Party, Left, NCP (SP), and Shiv Sena (UBT)—demanding a detailed debate on Operation Sindoor, India’s military retaliation following the deadly April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 civilians. Significantly, even ruling NDA ally Shiv Sena MP Shrikant Shinde supported the call for a discussion, sources said.

The Congress also demanded a response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only on the military operation but also on Trump’s assertion that he played a role in brokering peace between India and Pakistan—an assertion Indian officials have categorically denied.

“The Prime Minister must address the House. This is not just about the terror attack, but about national security and international perception. The US President’s comments raise questions about India’s diplomatic standing and the valour of our armed forces,” said Congress deputy leader in Lok Sabha Gaurav Gogoi. He added that the Opposition would also raise concerns about the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which has triggered fears of voter disenfranchisement.

While it remains unclear whether Prime Minister Modi will respond personally, sources indicated that Defence Minister Rajnath Singh may make a detailed statement on Operation Sindoor.

On Trump’s ceasefire mediation claim, Rijiju said the government would respond “appropriately” when the matter is discussed in Parliament. “Whether it’s the US President or anyone else, we will respond once a formal discussion begins,” he added. He also clarified that the Business Advisory Committee would decide the order and timing of discussions.

The Monsoon Session marks the first meeting of Parliament since Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. Government sources say the Centre will use the session to highlight the success of the cross-border operation, which targeted terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as part of a tougher new counterterrorism posture.

Opposition parties, however, are expected to focus on what they describe as “intelligence failures” that led to the Pahalgam attack, and will seek accountability from the Centre.

NK Premachandran of the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) urged the government to have the Prime Minister open the session with a statement on the Pahalgam incident.

Though JD(U) did not press for debate on the issues at the meeting, party leader Sanjay Jha—who led one of seven all-party delegations abroad to brief foreign capitals on Operation Sindoor—called for a discussion in Parliament on the outreach mission’s success. “It was a strong and unified message to the world: today it’s us, tomorrow it could be you. Pakistan’s state and military support terrorism,” Jha said.

Other Flashpoints

The Bihar voter list revision is likely to spark fierce debate during the session. The Opposition claims the exercise could disenfranchise large sections of the population, while the BJP and Election Commission say it aims to clean up ineligible entries.

“Serious questions are being raised about the right to vote, the electoral process, and our democratic structure. The Election Commission has been silent,” said Gogoi.

Rejecting the concerns, JD(U)’s Jha said: “We have reports suggesting there are no serious issues with the process. If any arise, we’ll take it up with the EC.”

NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule also raised the issue of alleged Hindi imposition in Maharashtra, another potential flashpoint in the session.

Rijiju said the government plans to table 17 bills during the session and urged the Opposition to ensure the House functions smoothly. “Despite different ideologies, both the ruling and Opposition sides must work together to ensure Parliament operates effectively,” he said.

The Monsoon Session is scheduled to conclude on August 21. BJP president and Union Health Minister JP Nadda also attended the all-party meeting.