Sam Pitroda, the ever-controversial chairman of the Indian Overseas Congress, has stirred political debate once again by advocating a shift in India’s foreign policy to focus more closely on its immediate neighbours—Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda stressed the importance of fostering peaceful relations, even in the face of regional unrest and complex historical tensions.
Watch: Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda says, “Our foreign policy, according to me, must first focus on our neighbourhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbours?… I’ve been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I’ve been to… pic.twitter.com/DINq138mvW
— IANS (@ians_india) September 19, 2025
‘Felt at Home’ in Neighbouring Countries
Recalling his travels, Pitroda shared a personal sentiment, “I have been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I have been to Bangladesh, Nepal, and I feel at home. I don’t feel like I am in a foreign country. They look like me, they talk like me, they like my songs, they eat my food. We must learn to live with them in peace and harmony.”
Despite acknowledging issues of terrorism and violence in the region, Pitroda underscored the shared heritage and cultural ties that bind the Indian subcontinent.
“There is a common gene pool in the neighbourhood. There is no need to fight. Our foreign policy must first focus on our neighbourhood,” he added.
Pitroda’s remarks come at a time of political churn in South Asia. Nepal and Bangladesh have recently undergone regime changes, each triggered by waves of youth-led protests.
Pakistan too has faced a turbulent political phase since the dramatic ouster of former Prime Minister Imran Khan in 2022, followed by bouts of civil unrest and institutional instability.
Timing Raises Eyebrows
The timing of Pitroda’s comments has sparked criticism, especially given the backdrop of a recent terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed the lives of 25 Indian tourists.
The attack, widely attributed to Pakistan-based militants, led to a severe diplomatic breakdown, culminating in India launching Operation Sindoor, a targeted military response aimed at neutralising terror camps across the border.
Furthermore, Pitroda’s statements drew a swift and scathing reaction from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Party spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari tweeted, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan. No wonder UPA took no tough action against Pakistan even after 26/11. Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen!”
Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy & Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.
No wonder UPA took no tough action against Pak even after 26/11.
Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen! pic.twitter.com/To5PEMbVQI
— Pradeep Bhandari(प्रदीप भंडारी)🇮🇳 (@pradip103) September 19, 2025
The comparison to the UPA government’s response after the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, which left 166 dead, further intensified the political backlash, with critics accusing the Congress of historically being soft on terrorism and hostile nations.
While Pitroda’s call for regional harmony may resonate with advocates of diplomatic engagement, the political fallout highlights the deep sensitivities around foreign policy, national security, and cross-border terrorism.
Whether his ‘neighbourhood-first’ proposal gains traction remains to be seen, but it has certainly reignited a critical debate at a crucial time for India’s external relations.
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