Congress leader Mani Shankar Aiyar's recent comments suggesting India should "respect" Pakistan due to its nuclear capabilities have sparked a political uproar, with the BJP accusing Congress of being soft on Pakistan. Aiyar emphasized the need for dialogue with Pakistan but warned against escalating tensions. BJP leaders criticized Aiyar, accusing him of representing Congress's pro-Pakistan stance. Aiyar later clarified that his comments were personal and not the Congress's official stance. Congress dissociated itself from Aiyar's remarks, highlighting Indira Gandhi's role in the 1971 Indo-Pak war.
