New Delhi: Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Narendra Modi-led central government over its response to the conflict in Gaza, alleging that India's "silence and inaction" on Israel's military campaign is inconsistent with the country's longstanding foreign policy principles and national interests.
In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express, Gandhi referred to reports documenting the humanitarian situation in Gaza and described the scale of destruction as severe. She alleged that the targeting of children in the conflict was "not incidental, but a deliberate strategy" and said the destruction of schools and healthcare facilities had deepened the humanitarian crisis.
While condemning the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel as "dastardly" and "absolutely unacceptable", Gandhi argued that Israel's subsequent military response had been disproportionate. She also cited statements made by senior Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, alleging they reflected an intention to intensify military operations in Gaza.
The Congress leader criticised the role of the United States under President Donald Trump, saying American support had enabled Israel to continue its military campaign. She also noted that several countries had recognised Palestine and that international organisations had documented alleged violations during the conflict.
Turning to India's foreign policy, Gandhi said the Centre had maintained a "stony silence" despite growing international concern. She also referred to a report by former Delhi High Court judge Justice S. Muralidhar on the Gaza conflict, alleging that it had not received a response from the government.
Gandhi argued that India's traditional foreign policy had been rooted in postcolonial solidarity, national sovereignty and international peace, and claimed the country's current position marked a departure from that approach. She also questioned the strategic implications of India's closer ties with Israel, stating that New Delhi had distanced itself from traditional partners in the Middle East and had allowed Pakistan to gain diplomatic visibility on the issue.
"The Modi government's silence and inaction are not just morally reprehensible but also inexplicable from a national interest perspective," Gandhi wrote. She further claimed that India's approach had "yielded us nothing but the friendship between Prime Minister Modi and Prime Minister Netanyahu."
Concluding her article, Gandhi urged India to "speak up for our Palestinian brothers and sisters," saying the government's continued silence could not be justified "rationally or morally."
Senior Congress leaders, including party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, shared Sonia Gandhi's article on social media and expressed support for her views, calling for India to uphold humanitarian values and reassess its position on the Gaza conflict.
The central government had not issued an immediate response to Sonia Gandhi's remarks at the time of publication.
Sources: Hindustan Times