New Delhi — : Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has expressed sharp disapproval of Israel’s ongoing strikes on Iran and raised concerns over the Indian government’s silence on the escalating Middle East crisis. In a detailed article titled “It’s Not Too Late for India’s Voice to Be Heard”, Gandhi criticized both the violence in the region and what she called the Modi government’s departure from India’s traditional diplomatic values.
The piece, shared on social media by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, highlights Iran’s historical ties with India and accuses the current administration of neglecting long-standing friendships in favor of shifting geopolitical alignments.
Gandhi reminded readers of the 1994 Kashmir resolution at the UN Human Rights Commission, where Iran supported India and helped block a resolution against it. She emphasized that Iran has consistently backed India under its current Islamic Republic regime, contrasting it with Iran’s monarchist era when it had sided with Pakistan during the 1965 and 1971 wars.
The article also acknowledged the steady growth in India-Israel strategic relations in recent decades. However, Gandhi argued that India is uniquely positioned to act as a diplomatic bridge in the region, urging the government to take on a moral responsibility to ensure the safety of Indian citizens living and working across the Middle East.
Sonia Gandhi condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on Israel, while also calling Israel’s retaliation in Gaza disproportionate and devastating. According to her, over 55,000 Palestinians have been killed, families destroyed, and hospitals turned to rubble. She added that Gaza is now on the brink of famine, with widespread suffering across the population.
She further criticized the Modi government for abandoning India’s historic stance supporting a “two-state solution”, which envisions a free and independent Palestine coexisting peacefully alongside Israel. She accused the government of remaining silent during critical moments, including Israel’s attacks on Gaza and now Iran, calling it a betrayal of India’s moral and diplomatic traditions.
Gandhi concluded by stating that the time for silence has passed. She urged the Indian government to take a clear and active position, promote dialogue among West Asian nations, and work toward de-escalation of the conflict.
