India, Feb 26 : The Indian National Congress on Thursday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his speech at the Knesset, describing it as an open defence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
During his address, Modi expressed solidarity with Israel and reiterated India’s firm opposition to terrorism. He offered condolences for victims of the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, stating that no cause can justify violence against civilians.
Reacting to the remarks, Congress communications in charge Jairam Ramesh said the Prime Minister’s speech appeared to align strongly with his host government. He pointed out that India had recognised Israel shortly after Independence and referenced India’s early diplomatic thinking on the region.
Ramesh drew attention to correspondence between India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and physicist Albert Einstein regarding the creation of Israel and the situation in Palestine. Quoting Nehru’s 1947 letter, he highlighted the former leader’s view that while there was sympathy for Jewish aspirations, the concerns of Arab populations also required equal consideration.
Nehru had emphasised that any durable resolution would require mutual accommodation rather than coercion, warning that emotionally charged positions could prolong conflict. He also noted the complexities surrounding British rule in Palestine at the time.
The Congress statement underscores renewed political debate in India over the government’s diplomatic positioning in West Asia.