NEW DELHI: Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda on Friday clarified his remarks about feeling “at home” in Pakistan, saying his comments were intended to highlight “shared history” and people-to-people bonds, not to play down terrorism or geopolitical tensions. In a post on X, Pitroda said, “If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns – but to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself – and is seen – by others.”Additionally Pitroda said, “In light of recent discussions, I wish to clarify my remarks and put them in the full context of my IANS/AP7AM interview. My intention has always been to call attention to the realities we face: concerns about the electoral process, the importance of civil society and youth, and India’s role – both in its neighborhood and globally. Likewise, when I challenged the “Vishwaguru” narrative and said that it’s a myth that India is always on everyone’s mind, I was cautioning against overconfidence in image over substance. Foreign policy must be based on real influence, mutual trust, peace, and regional stability – not bravado or optics.“We need to defend democracy: ensuring free, fair elections; strengthening institutions; empowering youth; protecting minority rights; resisting polarization. These are not partisan issues – they go to the heart of what and who we are as a nation. If my words have caused confusion or hurt, I want to clarify that my aim was never to belittle anyone’s suffering or undermine legitimate concerns – but to foster honest conversation, empathy, and a more grounded and responsible approach to how India sees itself – and is seen – by others. Moving forward, I remain committed to transparency, respectful dialogue, and working towards a future where we strengthen institutions, civil society, safety, and security, so our actions truly live up to our ideals,” he added. Pitroda had sparked controversy earlier today with statements advocating a neighbourhood-first policy. He told IANS, “I’ve been to Pakistan, and I must tell you, I felt at home. I’ve been to Bangladesh, I’ve been to Nepal, and I feel at home. I don’t feel like I’m in a foreign country. They look like me, they talk like me, they like my songs, they eat my food. So, I must learn to live with them in peace and harmony. That’s my first priority.”Also read – ‘Been to Pakistan, felt at home’: Sam Pitroda lands in fresh row; this time over his foreign policy adviseBJP leaders reacted sharply, with national spokesperson Pradeep Bhandari calling Pitroda “Pakistan’s favourite” and questioning his proximity to a “terror nation,” especially after the Pahalgam terror attack. Bhandari said, “We all know that Pahalgam terror attack was carried out by Pakistan. Our armed forces gave terror nation Pakistan a befitting reply through Operation Sindoor. I want to ask you people that can any patriot ever say that terror nation Pakistan is like a home... But Rahul Gandhi’s close aide, a person who defines strategies of Rahul Gandhi and Congress, says that terror nation Pakistan is like home for him.”Read | From ‘hua to hua’ to ‘felt at home’: 5 times Sam Pitroda stirred controversy & embarrassed CongressPitroda, a longtime aide of the Gandhi family and chairman of the Overseas Indian Congress, has frequently been at the centre of controversies. Earlier this year, his comments on China forced the Congress to publicly distance itself. In June 2024, during the Lok Sabha campaign, he stepped down temporarily after remarks on inheritance tax and comparisons of Indians’ physical features with Africans, Arabs, and Chinese drew criticism. He was later reinstated after assuring no repeat of such controversies.Also read | ‘Silence is acceptance’: BJP slams Congress over Sam Pitroda’s ‘felt at home in Pakistan’ remark; cites Yasin Malik