Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Jun 2: The Congress on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining “completely silent” on Israel's military actions in Lebanon, accusing him of failing to respond to developments that it claimed had worsened the situation in the region and disrupted diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh, in a post on X, referred to ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran aimed at reducing tensions in West Asia.

He said a possible agreement could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and help bring down global oil prices, developments that he argued were important for India.

Ramesh alleged that the negotiations had been affected by Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, which he described as unprecedented incursions.

The Congress leader also referred to remarks attributed to US President Donald Trump, claiming that Trump had expressed frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during recent discussions and had intervened to stop a planned Israeli strike on Beirut.

He further cited international media reports suggesting tensions had surfaced during a recent phone conversation between Trump and Netanyahu over developments in Lebanon.

Targeting the Prime Minister, Ramesh questioned India's position on the conflict and alleged that the country was not among those condemning Israel's actions.

In a sharp political attack, he asked whether the “so-called fatherland” mattered more to Modi than his “actual motherland”.

Separately, reports quoted Trump as saying that he had urged Netanyahu to call off a planned military operation in Beirut, following which Israeli forces reportedly stepped back from the proposed action.

The remarks come amid continuing political debate over India's response to developments in West Asia and the broader geopolitical implications of the ongoing conflict.