Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Sep 25: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Thursday criticised the Modi government for its stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict, calling it a “profound silence” and an abdication of both humanity and morality. She argued that India’s foreign policy appears driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal friendship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, rather than the nation’s constitutional values or strategic interests.
In her article, published in The Hindu, Gandhi said, “This style of personalised diplomacy is never tenable and cannot be the guiding compass of India’s foreign policy… India’s standing on the world stage cannot be wrapped up into the personal glory-seeking ways of one individual.”
Gandhi highlighted that several Western nations, including France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia, have recently recognised Palestinian statehood—a step she called crucial for fulfilling the aspirations of the long-suffering Palestinian people. She noted that India had historically supported Palestine, formally recognising its statehood on November 18, 1988, and actively championed causes such as the Algerian independence struggle, Apartheid South Africa, and the creation of Bangladesh in 1971.
The Congress leader criticised India’s muted role since the October 2023 outbreak of hostilities between Israel and Palestine. She condemned the Israeli response to Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, calling it “nothing less than genocidal,” with more than 55,000 Palestinian civilians killed, including 17,000 children. Gandhi described Gaza’s humanitarian crisis as “famine-like,” with obstructed food and medical aid and civilians shot while trying to access necessities.
She welcomed recent moves by over 150 countries to recognise Palestinian sovereignty, calling it a moral responsibility rather than a mere diplomatic gesture. Gandhi condemned India’s recent bilateral investment agreement with Israel and the visit of its far-right finance minister, describing such actions as contrary to India’s ethical and civilisational heritage.
“The plight of Palestine echoes India’s own struggle during colonial times,” she wrote. “We owe Palestine a sense of historical empathy in its quest for dignity, and we also owe Palestine the courage to translate that empathy into principled action.”
Gandhi stressed that India must demonstrate leadership on Palestine, framing it as a test of justice, identity, dignity, and human rights, rather than merely a foreign policy matter.