Pakistan’s leading role in mediating a US-Iran peace agreement has sparked visible frustration across the Indian media and political landscape. The breakthrough has left New Delhi’s media circles aggrieved, prompting analysts to launch defensive critiques aimed at downplaying Islamabad’s newfound regional standing.
Political commentator Sanjay Jha described the shift as an “epic fall” for New Delhi, comparing Pakistan’s global initiative with India’s domestic political focus. He remarked: “What an epic fall! Pakistan announces USA-Iran peace deal India’s BJP busy breaking opposition parties”.
Similarly, veteran journalist Rajdeep Sardesai highlighted the irony of Islamabad successfully projecting itself as a regional peacemaker. Sardesai wrote: “Monday thought: In this summer of ironies and surprises, who would have imagined a Pakistani PM announcing a US-Iran peace deal the world had been waiting for? In a world turned upside down, yesterday’s cross-border terror sponsor can suddenly project itself as today’s peacemaker. And we, the aspiring ‘Vishwaguru’, watch from the sidelines, busily breaking parties and manufacturing a LS majority”.
Adding to the wave of critical reactions, prominent commentator Joy as took a sarcastic swipe at the narrative surrounding the conflict’s resolution. Highlighting the stark reality of the diplomatic outcome, he noted: “US now needs to send all party delegates to Countries across the World to explain they won the War against Iran”.
Meanwhile, defense analyst Nitin A. Gokhale attempted to minimise Islamabad’s diplomatic leverage, noting that “Pakistan just didn’t have the heft or credibility that would bring both sides close to an understanding,” though he conceded that “India will have to also introspect, reassess its West Asia and US policy”.
In contrast, academic Ashok Swain described the mediation as a major strategic victory. Swain highlighted that international alignment gave General Asim Munir a “grand opening to play the peacemaker role” as the “primary mediator” who “brokered a deal between the US and Iran”.
He concluded that the breakthrough has elevated his standing, noting that “Munir has now become a global statesman” with “complete control of Pakistan politics, trusted by both Trump and Xi”
