‘India’s silence on Gaza cannot be explained’: Sonia Gandhi's sharp attack on Modi government

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of maintaining an unjustifiable silence over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and urging India to reclaim what she described as its long-standing moral voice in global affairs.

In an opinion article, Gandhi said that India's response to the situation in Gaza had marked a departure from the country's traditional foreign policy, which she argued had historically supported peace, international law and the rights of the Palestinian people. She contended that New Delhi's muted stance amid the continuing conflict could not be adequately explained. (thehindu.com)

Referring to the humanitarian toll of the conflict, Gandhi said the scale of civilian suffering demanded a stronger response from the international community, including India. She called for an immediate ceasefire, unrestricted humanitarian assistance and renewed diplomatic efforts to achieve a lasting political solution.

"The scale of devastation and human suffering in Gaza calls for moral clarity," Gandhi argued, while maintaining that India should remain committed to its longstanding support for a two-state solution that guarantees peace and security for both Israel and Palestine. (thehindu.com)

The Congress leader also criticised what she described as the government's inconsistent approach to international crises, saying India's foreign policy should be guided by humanitarian principles alongside strategic interests. According to Gandhi, the country's global standing has traditionally been strengthened by its willingness to speak on issues of international justice and human rights.

Her remarks come at a time when the Opposition has repeatedly questioned the Centre's position on the Israel-Hamas conflict. Congress leaders have argued that while India has condemned terrorism, it should also speak more forcefully about civilian casualties and humanitarian concerns arising from military operations in Gaza.

The Modi government, however, has maintained that India's position remains balanced. New Delhi has consistently condemned the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas while also calling for the protection of civilians, the uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid and a negotiated two-state solution. Indian officials have reiterated support for dialogue and diplomacy as the path to lasting peace in the region. (mea.gov.in)

India has also participated in international discussions on the conflict and has dispatched humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the war. Government representatives have maintained that the country's policy seeks to balance its strategic partnership with Israel and its historic support for the Palestinian cause.

The latest remarks from Sonia Gandhi are expected to intensify the political debate over India's foreign policy, with the Congress accusing the Centre of abandoning the country's traditional diplomatic principles, while the BJP has consistently defended the government's approach as pragmatic and aligned with India's national interests.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, the issue is likely to remain a point of contention between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Opposition, both of which have sought to shape the narrative around India's role on the global stage.