Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jun 21: A fresh political flashpoint emerged on Saturday after Congress leader Sonia Gandhi sharply criticised the Modi government's perceived silence on the Gaza conflict and tensions involving Iran, prompting a strong rebuttal from the BJP and rare support from the AIMIM, highlighting deep divisions over India’s diplomatic stance in West Asia.
In her op-ed titled “It is still not too late for India’s voice to be heard”, published in a national daily, Gandhi accused the Centre of abandoning India’s historic commitment to a peaceful two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict, and condemned New Delhi’s “conspicuous silence” on Israel’s actions in Gaza and the “escalation” against Iran.
“New Delhi’s silence… reflects a disturbing departure from our moral and diplomatic traditions,” she wrote, arguing that the lack of a clear response amounted to “a surrender of values.”
The BJP, however, swiftly dismissed her remarks. Party spokesperson Ram Kadam accused Gandhi of lacking understanding of foreign affairs and attempting to polarise public opinion for political gain.
“India has consistently advocated for peace. Where was Sonia Gandhi when the 26/11 attacks happened? Her silence then was deafening,” Kadam told IANS.
Tuhin Sinha, another BJP leader, defended India’s neutral approach in global crises.
“India doesn’t pick sides. Whether it’s the Russia-Ukraine war or Israel-Palestine, we have prioritised peace and humanitarian support. Just yesterday, Iran opened its airspace for the evacuation of Indian students — a testament to our balanced diplomacy,” he said.
Sinha also accused Congress of hypocrisy and historical missteps, citing incidents during Manmohan Singh’s tenure and allegations of appeasement politics, particularly in reference to Priyanka Gandhi’s past statements on Israel.
“The Congress is preaching foreign policy now, but it’s the same party that embarrassed India in Sharm-el-Sheikh,” he added.
In contrast, AIMIM’s Waris Pathan voiced support for Sonia Gandhi’s concerns and demanded greater clarity from the Indian government.
“She may not be my leader, but her questions are valid. India must declare where it stands. Why this ambiguity on Israel and Iran?” he asked.
Pathan also slammed Israel’s past conduct towards India.
“Israel is not a reliable ally. They have betrayed us before. Iran, on the other hand, has always stood by us,” he asserted, calling Israel “killers of workers” and “mass murderers.”
As tensions in West Asia continue to impact global diplomacy, the domestic political war of words shows no sign of abating. With opposition leaders demanding greater transparency and the ruling party defending its strategic neutrality, India’s foreign policy stance is once again at the centre of a heated political battle.