Congress leader Sam Pitroda, head of the party’s Overseas Department, has once again courted controversy by saying, “I feel at home in Pakistan. When I go there, I don’t feel like I’m in another country.” His remarks come at a time when India-Pakistan relations remain tense, and India has avoided engaging in dialogue with Pakistan since Operation Sindoor.

Pitroda suggested that India should improve ties with Pakistan through dialogue. He also commented on relations with Nepal and Bangladesh, stating that India’s foreign policy is successful only when neighborhood relations are stable.

This is not Pitroda’s first controversial statement. Since 2019, he has made six remarks that sparked political debate, including questioning the Balakot airstrike and making comments on Sikh riots. Congress has previously distanced itself from some of his statements, though Pitroda remains influential within the party.