PM Modi Government’s Silence on Gaza Has Cost India Morally and Strategically, Says Sonia Gandhi; BJP Defends Foreign Policy
A sharp political debate has erupted over India’s approach to the Gaza conflict after Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi government of maintaining a “stony silence” on what she described as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She argued that New Delhi’s position has damaged India’s moral standing and strategic interests in West Asia. The ruling BJP strongly rejected the criticism, insisting that India’s Gaza policy has remained balanced and accusing the Congress of indulging in “vote bank politics.”
Sonia Gandhi’s Criticism of the Government
In an opinion article published on June 27, Sonia Gandhi argued that the Centre’s response to the Gaza conflict “cannot be explained rationally or morally.” She contended that India’s traditional foreign policy has historically supported both Israel’s security and Palestinian statehood, but alleged that the current government has departed from this balanced approach.
She further claimed that India’s silence has:
- Weakened its moral credibility on humanitarian issues.
- Strained ties with long-standing regional partners, including Palestine and Iran.
- Reduced India’s diplomatic influence in the broader Middle East.
- Allowed countries such as Pakistan to project themselves more prominently in regional diplomacy.
Reference to UN Reports
Sonia Gandhi cited findings of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noting that the commission has issued reports alleging grave violations of international law in Gaza. She argued that these findings required a stronger public response from India. Her article described the government’s continued silence as inconsistent with India’s historical commitment to humanitarian values and international law.
BJP’s Response: “India Has Been Balanced”
The BJP rejected Sonia Gandhi’s allegations, with party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla asserting that India has consistently articulated its position on Gaza.
According to the BJP:
- India has repeatedly called for humanitarian assistance to civilians.
- New Delhi has supported UN resolutions seeking ceasefires and humanitarian relief.
- India continues to back a negotiated two-state solution.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has maintained diplomatic engagement with both Israel and Palestine, reflecting what the BJP described as an “all-alignment” foreign policy rather than traditional non-alignment.
The BJP also accused the Congress of using foreign policy issues for domestic political purposes, alleging that its criticism was driven by electoral considerations rather than diplomacy.
Rahul Gandhi Backs Sonia Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi endorsed Sonia Gandhi’s position, urging the government to “speak up with moral clarity” and reclaim what he described as India’s independent foreign policy tradition.
Rahul Gandhi argued that India risks appearing too closely aligned with Israel at a time when many countries have become more critical of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
India’s Official Position
The Government of India has consistently maintained that:
- It supports an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian assistance.
- It favors the release of hostages.
- It continues to support a negotiated two-state solution in which Israel and Palestine coexist peacefully.
- India maintains diplomatic relations with both Israel and the Palestinian Authority while providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Why the Debate Matters
The exchange reflects broader differences between the BJP and the Congress over India’s foreign policy priorities.
Supporters of the government’s approach argue that India has successfully balanced strategic relations with Israel, Arab states, Iran, and Western partners without abandoning its support for Palestinian statehood. Critics, including Sonia Gandhi, argue that India should speak more forcefully on humanitarian concerns in Gaza to preserve its traditional diplomatic identity and moral leadership.
What Happens Next?
The political debate is likely to continue as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains a major international issue. While the opposition is pressing for a stronger public condemnation of Israel’s military actions, the Modi government appears committed to maintaining a calibrated diplomatic stance that seeks to preserve relations with all major stakeholders in the Middle East.
