Last Updated:
Rathore justified his assertion by citing geographic proximity, stating that India would support Pakistan simply because it is a neighbouring nation
Social media users also weighed in heavily on the controversial clip, with critics taking aim at the state BJP chief for proposing diplomatic alignment with a historic adversary over a global superpower. File pic/PTI
A major political controversy has erupted after Rajasthan BJP president and Rajya Sabha lawmaker Madan Rathore claimed that India would stand with Pakistan if a war broke out between Islamabad and the United States. Speaking at an event, Rathore justified his assertion by citing geographic proximity, stating that India would support Pakistan simply because it is a neighbouring nation.
A video recording of the speech rapidly surfaced on social media platforms, triggering fierce backlash from opposition parties and igniting an intense political debate nationwide.
VIDEO | Rajasthan BJP chief Madan Rathore says, “If war breaks out between US and Pakistan, we will stand with Pakistan as it is our neighbour.”(Full video available on PTI Videos – https://t.co/d8jp61yd2p) https://t.co/I5sJgZuB2f
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 15, 2026
Opposition Hits Out at ‘Affinity’ for Terrorist State
The remarks drew immediate, sharp criticism from the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, with leaders questioning the ruling party’s core foreign policy stance. Senior Congress coordinators pointedly asked whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah shared Rathore’s perspective on supporting Islamabad during a conflict.
Opposition spokespersons accused the BJP of displaying an underlying affinity for a country repeatedly linked to state-sponsored cross-border terrorism against Indian citizens and military personnel.
AAP Joins Attack Over Shared Ideological Claims
At A Glance
Rajasthan BJP president Madan Rathore claimed India would stand with Pakistan in a conflict against the United States.
Rathore justified his assertion by citing geographic proximity as the reason to support a neighbouring nation.
Opposition parties including Congress and AAP strongly criticised the remarks and questioned the ruling party’s foreign policy stance.
Rathore also accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of attempting to sow unrest and alleged foreign funding for domestic political groups.
Joining the chorus of criticism, representatives from the Aam Aadmi Party circulated the viral video footage across multiple digital platforms. AAP leaders alleged that the statement laid bare an unexpected ideological alignment between the ruling party’s leadership and Pakistan.
Social media users also weighed in heavily on the controversial clip, with critics taking aim at the state BJP chief for proposing diplomatic alignment with a historic adversary over a global superpower.
Context of Foreign Funding and Global Instability Allegations
In the broader context of his address, Rathore accused Congress leader Rahul Gandhi of attempting to sow unrest within the country. The state party chief further alleged that certain foreign entities were actively funding domestic political groups to derail India’s economic progress and destabilise its growing international standing.
Despite the context, the specific assertion regarding an imaginary conflict between Washington and Islamabad has completely eclipsed the rest of his address, forcing the BJP into a defensive position over its state leadership’s rhetorical slip.
Quick Answers
Ask News18Rajasthan BJP president and Rajya Sabha lawmaker Madan Rathore stated that India would stand with Pakistan if a war broke out between Islamabad and the United States, justifying the position by citing geographic proximity and neighbourly duty.
Ask News18About the Author
Pathikrit Sen Gupta is a Senior Associate Editor with News18.com and likes to cut a long story short. He writes sporadically on Politics, Sports, Global Affairs, Space, Entertainment, And Food. He tra…Read More
October 16, 2026, 00:42 IST
Read More
