‘Pakistan felt like home’: Congress’s Sam Pitroda bats for talks

**‘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 shift in India’s foreign policy to prioritize improving relations with neighboring countries. He emphasized the importance of strengthening cultural and social ties 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 drawn sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari condemned the comments, stating, “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan.” He further criticized the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly failing to take tough action against Pakistan following the 26/11 attacks.

Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress, accusing them of harboring an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X, Poonawalla said, “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 sparked political controversy with his statements. In February, he suggested that India exaggerates the threat posed by China and advocated for a collaborative approach rather than viewing Beijing as an adversary.

“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 had said.

As debates continue around India’s foreign policy approach, Pitroda’s calls for engagement with neighbors remain a contentious issue in the political landscape.
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