**’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 focus on strengthening ties with neighboring countries. Emphasizing cultural and social connections, he urged a renewed engagement with countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
“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 remarked.
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### Political Backlash
Pitroda’s comments have sparked sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari called him “Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief,” highlighting his statement about feeling “at home” in Pakistan as controversial. Bhandari also criticized the then United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government for allegedly taking no tough action against Pakistan after the 26/11 attacks.
Shehzad Poonawalla, BJP national spokesperson, also targeted Pitroda and the Congress party, alleging they harbor an “undying love” for Pakistan. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), 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?”
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### Previous Controversies
This is not the first time Pitroda has attracted political controversy for his views on foreign policy. Earlier this year, in February, he suggested that India tends to exaggerate the threat from China and advocated for a more collaborative approach with Beijing.
“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 said, sparking debate on India’s stance towards China.
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Sam Pitroda’s recent remarks continue to fuel the ongoing discourse over India’s foreign relations strategy, particularly in the context of its neighbors and regional diplomacy.
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/politics/pakistan-felt-like-home-sam-pitroda-bats-for-talks/story