‘Disturbing departure from moral and diplomatic traditions’: Sonia Gandhi slams governments’ silence on Gaza and Iran conflict; calls it ‘surrender of values’

NEW DELHI: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday launched a strong attack on the Modi government over its silence on Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza and its recent strike on Iran, calling it a “disturbing departure from India’s moral and diplomatic traditions”.In an opinion piece published in a newspaper titled “It is still not too late for India's voice to be heard”, Gandhi accused the government of abandoning India’s long-standing commitment to a peaceful two-state solution, and of failing to speak out against “unlawful escalation” by Israel.“New Delhi’s silence on the devastation in Gaza and now on the unprovoked escalation against Iran reflects not just a loss of voice but also a surrender of values,” she wrote.Referring to the Israeli airstrike on June 13, which targeted Iranian territory, Gandhi said the “deeply troubling” move represented “dangerous consequences of unilateral militarism.” She added that such actions had “grave regional and global consequences” and had been carried out “with utter disregard for civilian lives and regional stability.”Gandhi also criticised the role of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he had a record of “undermining peace and nurturing extremism,” and added that it was unsurprising he would “choose escalation over engagement.”

While she reiterated the Congress party’s condemnation of Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, she stressed that “we cannot remain silent in the face of Israel’s catastrophic and disproportionate response.” According to her, over 55,000 Palestinians have died, hospitals and entire neighbourhoods have been destroyed, and Gaza “stands on the brink of famine.”She also took aim at US President Donald Trump’s recent statement claiming Iran was “very close” to acquiring nuclear weapons, dismissing it as “deeply disappointing”.

“The world expects and needs leadership that is grounded in facts and driven by diplomacy, not force or falsehoods,” she said.Calling Iran a “long-standing friend” of India, Gandhi highlighted Tehran’s past support to New Delhi, especially during the 1994 UN Human Rights Commission session on Kashmir. “Indeed, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been much more cooperative with India than its predecessor, the Imperial State of Iran,” she wrote.She urged the Modi government to use India’s unique diplomatic leverage, given its ties with both Israel and Palestine, to act as a bridge for de-escalation in West Asia.“It is still not too late. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue,” she concluded.The comments come days after India abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution calling for an unconditional ceasefire in Gaza, despite key allies like the UK, Japan and Australia voting in favour. India had previously supported similar resolutions in December 2023 and 2024 but explained its latest abstention by stressing the need for dialogue, diplomacy, and a negotiated two-state solution.