KKN Gurugram Desk | Senior Congress leader and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has sharply criticized the Government of India for its silence on the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, calling it not just a diplomatic lapse but a “departure from India’s moral and strategic traditions.”

In a powerful op-ed published on Friday in The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi condemned the June 13 Israeli airstrikes on Iranian military facilities as a “violation of sovereignty” and labeled them as “illegal under international law.” Her remarks have sparked fresh debate on India’s foreign policy orientation in West Asia, especially under the current BJP-led government.

Sonia Gandhi Condemns Israeli Strikes, Cites Risk to Regional Stability

Gandhi’s column strongly condemned the aerial bombardments and targeted assassinations carried out by Israel on Iranian soil. She warned that such actions are not only dangerous to civilian lives but also accelerate regional and global instability.

She wrote, “The Indian National Congress condemns these strikes and the targeted killings carried out on Iranian territory. These are not just military actions—they are violations of international norms and humanitarian concerns.”

The Congress leader also criticized the ongoing military operations in Gaza, calling them “brutal and disproportionate.” Referring to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, she stated that over 55,000 Palestinians have lost their lives, entire neighborhoods have been flattened, and even hospitals are no longer safe zones.

India’s Silence on West Asia Crisis: Strategic Apathy or Calculated Neutrality?

Perhaps the most forceful section of Sonia Gandhi’s article is her direct criticism of India’s lack of response to the crisis.

“India’s silence is not merely diplomatic—it is a moral failure,” she wrote, arguing that New Delhi’s muted stance betrays its long-standing commitment to strategic balance and ethical diplomacy in West Asia.

She reminded readers that India has historically maintained deep and balanced relations with both Iran and Israel. Notably, she cited Iran’s support for India on the Kashmir issue in the United Nations in 1994, while also acknowledging the evolving partnership with Israel over the past few decades.

Accusation of Policy Shift Under Modi Government

Sonia Gandhi accused the Modi government of shifting away from India’s traditional stance of supporting a two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. According to her, the current administration appears to be taking a “one-sided and opportunistic” approach.

She noted that this strategic tilt is not only diplomatically risky but also undermines India’s credibility as a responsible international player committed to peace and dialogue.

Critique of Israeli PM Netanyahu and His Role in Destabilizing Peace

Gandhi also did not mince words when criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, holding him responsible for derailing peace efforts in the Middle East.

Citing historical examples, she referenced the 1995 assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin, who had been a leading figure in the peace process. Gandhi wrote, “Netanyahu has consistently obstructed peace initiatives in the region. The assassination of Rabin marked a tragic turning point, and the same aggression continues today.”

Gaza on the Brink: Sonia Gandhi Warns of Humanitarian Catastrophe

Describing the situation in Gaza as “dire,” Sonia Gandhi wrote, “Gaza is now on the brink of famine. More than 55,000 Palestinians have died. Entire families have been wiped out. Hospitals and entire neighborhoods have been leveled.”

This powerful assertion highlights the severity of the humanitarian crisis that continues to unfold while much of the world remains politically gridlocked.

Escalating Conflict: Iran-Israel Missile Exchanges Post Airstrikes

The June 13 Israeli airstrikes on Iranian facilities marked a major escalation in West Asia. Since the strike, both Iran and Israel have engaged in retaliatory drone and missile attacks, pushing the region toward a full-blown military confrontation.

These developments occurred even as nuclear talks between the U.S. and Iran were making slow progress. According to reports, five rounds of negotiations had already been held, with a sixth round scheduled for late June. However, the intensifying conflict threatens to derail those diplomatic efforts entirely.

Targeting Trump: Gandhi Accuses Former U.S. President of Double Standards

In her piece, Sonia Gandhi also directed criticism at former U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of hypocrisy. She stated that while Trump publicly opposed “endless wars,” his policies and rhetoric contributed to escalating conflict, much like the 2003 invasion of Iraq.

She wrote, “Trump ignored the counsel of his own intelligence agencies and repeated the same blunders that led the world into disaster two decades ago.”

Gandhi’s international critique underscores the interconnected nature of global diplomacy, where actions by one power ripple across regions.

Call to Action: Gandhi Urges Indian Government to Take a Clear Stand

Towards the conclusion of her article, Sonia Gandhi urged the Government of India to shed its silence and take a principled stand on the ongoing conflict.

“India must break its silence. It must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use all available diplomatic channels to foster dialogue and stability in West Asia,” she wrote.

Her message serves as both a moral appeal and a policy recommendation, pressing New Delhi to restore its role as a voice for peace, multilateralism, and non-alignment.

Iranian Diplomat Also Urges India to Condemn Israeli Strikes

Interestingly, just hours before Gandhi’s op-ed was published, Mohammad Javad Hosseini, the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Iranian Embassy in India, also urged the Indian government to publicly condemn the Israeli airstrike, describing it as a violation of international law.

This adds international pressure on India, which has so far maintained a non-committal posture, possibly to preserve relations with both camps in a polarized geopolitical climate.

Sonia Gandhi’s op-ed is not merely a political critique—it is a clarion call to reassess India’s moral compass and diplomatic consistency. As the Middle East teeters on the brink of broader conflict, the world is watching India, a country traditionally seen as a voice of reason and balance.

With both regional partners and global observers waiting for India’s response, the coming days may define whether New Delhi chooses silence or leadership in the face of escalating global unrest.

Stay tuned to KKNLive.com for real-time updates and expert analysis on India’s international relations and evolving stance on critical global issues.