Jaishankar Calls Pakistan 'Dalaal Nation' — Diplomatic Row Erupts

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar publicly referred to Pakistan as a 'dalaal' (broker) nation at an all-party parliamentary meeting in New Delhi, dismissing its role as a mediator in the US-Iran and broader West Asia crisis. Jaishankar stated India is not a 'broker nation like Pakistan,' arguing Pakistan has historically been 'used' by the US since 1981. Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif responded calling Jaishankar 'a hi-fi dalal,' while the Pakistan FO labeled the remarks 'undiplomatic and megaphone theatrics.' President Zardari's spokesman accused Jaishankar of 'diplomatic dementia.' Within India, opposition leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Shashi Tharoor criticized the government for allowing Pakistan to gain geopolitical relevance while India remained a 'mute spectator' in West Asia diplomacy.