Chidambaram: India Was Ready to Retaliate After 26/11, BJP Criticises Congress

Former Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram has revealed that India was prepared to launch a retaliatory strike against Pakistan following the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, but the UPA government decided against it due to international pressure.

Chidambaram, speaking in an interview, stated that just days after taking office, then US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice met him and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, urging the government not to respond militarily.

“The idea of retribution did cross my mind, but ultimately it was a decision for the government to take,” Chidambaram said.

Context of the 26/11 Attacks

The 26/11 Mumbai attacks were carried out by ten terrorists from the Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba, spanning four days and killing at least 160 people. The coordinated assaults targeted multiple locations across Mumbai, leaving the city and the nation in shock.

Chidambaram added that even during the attacks, the UPA leadership discussed possible retaliatory options, but was advised against military action by the Ministry of External Affairs and foreign diplomats.

BJP Response

The BJP, which has often criticised the Congress for its perceived soft stance on Pakistan, reacted strongly to Chidambaram’s claims:

• Consumer Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi commented, “After 17 years, Chidambaram admits what the nation knew — 26/11 was mishandled due to foreign pressure. Too little, too late.”

• BJP spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari accused the Congress of being “anti-India”, claiming that the party opposed military retaliation after 26/11 and suggested a pro-Pakistan bias.

Chidambaram’s statement highlights the complex strategic and diplomatic challenges India faced in the aftermath of one of its deadliest terror attacks.