'Been To Pakistan, Felt At Home': Sam Pitroda lands in fresh controversy, calls for shift in India's foreign policy
PTC News Desk: Congress Overseas President Sam Pitroda has once again landed in a controversy over its remark about India's foreign policy. He called for a shift in India's foreign policy to focus on neighbourhood first, asserting that he always "felt at home" during his visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal.
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
"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," Pitroda said.
Recalling his visits to Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal, Pitroda said he always felt at home during such trips.
"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," he further said.
Pitroda's remarks drew sharp backlash from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which accused the Congress leadership of undermining India's national interest.
"Rahul Gandhi's blue-eyed boy & Congress Overseas chief Sam Pitroda says he 'felt at home' in Pakistan. No wonder UPA took no tough action against Pak even after 26/11. Pakistan's favourite, Congress's chosen!" said BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari.
- PTC NEWS
