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Sam Pitroda stoked a major row after he called for a shift in India’s foreign policy, asserting that he always “felt at home” during his visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal
Congress leader Sam Pitroda (File Image/PTI)
Amid mounting backlash, Congress leader Sam Pitroda on Friday sought to clarify his recent comment that he “felt at home” in Pakistan, saying his remarks were made in the context of India and its neighbours sharing “cultural and social roots.”
Pitroda, chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress and a close aide of Rahul Gandhi, stoked a major row after he called for a shift in India’s foreign policy to focus on its neighbourhood first, asserting that he always “felt at home” during his visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
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“When I said that I often felt ‘at home’ visiting neighbouring countries, or that culturally and socially we share roots, I meant to emphasise shared history and people-to-people bonds,” Pitroda said in a statement.
He added that his comments were not meant to dismiss the pain of conflict or the challenges of terrorism and geopolitical tensions.
He also defended his earlier remarks questioning India’s “Vishwaguru” narrative.
“When I said it is a myth that India is always on everyone’s mind, I was cautioning against overconfidence in image over substance. Foreign policy must be based on real influence, mutual trust, peace, and regional stability — not bravado or optics,” he noted.
“If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns,” he added.
“My goal is to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself — and is seen — by others.”
What Pitroda Said? The Row
Pitroda renewed calls for India to reorient its foreign policy towards strengthening ties with its neighbours.
He argued that despite tensions and security challenges, countries in the region share deep cultural bonds, adding that he personally “felt at home” during visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal.
In an interview with IANS, Pitroda said: “Our foreign policy must first focus on our neighbourhood. Can we really substantially improve relationships with our neighbours? They are all going through difficult times and there is no need to fight. There are issues of violence and terrorism, but in the neighbourhood there is a common gene pool.”
Recalling his travels, Pitroda remarked, “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.”
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
His comments come at a time when all three nations he referred to have faced political upheavals. Nepal and Bangladesh witnessed regime changes following youth-led protests, while Pakistan plunged into turmoil after the 2022 ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan.
Pitroda’s remarks quickly invited criticism from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress of compromising India’s national interest.
“Rahul Gandhi’s blue-eyed boy and Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he ‘felt at home’ in Pakistan. No wonder the UPA failed to act firmly against Pakistan even after 26/11. Pakistan’s favourite, Congress’s chosen!” BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari said.
Pitroda’s appeal for dialogue with Pakistan also follows heightened strains in India-Pakistan relations.
Earlier in April, a terror attack in Pahalgam killed 26 tourists, prompting New Delhi to further scale back diplomatic engagement. In response, India launched Operation Sindoor, targeting terror camps inside Pakistani territory.
About the Author
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be…Read More
Ronit Singh, Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com, works with the India and Breaking News team. He has a keen focus on Indian politics and aims to cover unexplored angles. Ronit is an alumnus of Christ (Deemed to be… Read More
September 19, 2025, 20:25 IST
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