NEW DELHI, Sept 25: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has sharply criticised the Modi government for its “profound silence” on the Palestine issue, describing India’s current stance as an abdication of humanity and morality. In an article published in The Hindu, Gandhi asserted that the government’s response appears driven by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s personal rapport with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rather than India’s constitutional values or strategic interests.
“This style of personalised diplomacy is never tenable and cannot guide India’s foreign policy. Attempts elsewhere, notably in the United States, have already failed painfully,” Gandhi wrote. She stressed that India must uphold its long-standing commitment to justice, human rights, and self-determination rather than reduce its global role to the personal diplomacy of its leaders.
Highlighting India’s historical advocacy for Palestine, Gandhi noted that India formally recognised Palestinian statehood in 1988 and has consistently championed global human rights causes—from opposing Apartheid in South Africa to supporting Algerian independence and intervening in East Pakistan in 1971.
Gandhi criticised the government for stepping back during the 2023 Israel-Palestine conflict, stating that over 55,000 Palestinian civilians, including 17,000 children, have been killed, while infrastructure and basic services in Gaza have been devastated. She accused the international community of slow responses, which implicitly legitimise Israeli actions.
The Congress leader welcomed recent moves by several countries, including France, the UK, Canada, Portugal, and Australia, in recognising Palestinian statehood, calling them a historic assertion of justice and human rights. She emphasised that India must restore its moral leadership and not treat the issue of Palestine merely as a foreign policy matter but as a reflection of its ethical and civilisational values.
“Silence is not neutrality—it is complicity. India owes Palestine historical empathy and principled action,” Gandhi concluded.
Key Takeaways:
Sonia Gandhi criticises Modi government for muted stance on Palestine.
Urges India to demonstrate leadership and uphold human rights.
Calls personal diplomacy with Israel a flawed basis for foreign policy.
Highlights India’s historical support for Palestine and other global justice movements.
Warns that silence on human rights abuses risks moral complicity.