The Congress party on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of betraying India's values by maintaining a 'stony silence' on Israel's actions in Gaza. The party said that the self-styled 'Vishwaguru' (world teacher) has abandoned India's traditional support for the Palestinian cause.
Congress's accusation
In a statement, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh said, 'The self-styled Vishwaguru's stony silence on Israel is a betrayal of India's values and its long-standing policy on Palestine.' He added that India's silence on the ongoing conflict amounts to a 'complete U-turn' from its historical position.
India's historical stance
India has traditionally supported the Palestinian cause and voted in favor of UN resolutions condemning Israeli settlements. However, under Prime Minister Modi, India has deepened ties with Israel in areas like defense, technology, and agriculture. The Congress party argues that this shift has come at the cost of India's moral authority.
Impact on India's image
The Congress also warned that India's silence could damage its image as a champion of the Global South. 'India's credibility as a voice for the oppressed is being eroded,' Ramesh said. He noted that the Modi government has not issued a single statement condemning the Israeli military offensive, even as civilian casualties mount.
Government's response
So far, the central government has not officially responded to the Congress's criticism. However, external affairs ministry sources indicated that India's position is 'balanced and consistent' with its national interests.
Political context
The attack comes amid a broader debate on India's foreign policy priorities. While the ruling BJP has emphasized strategic partnerships, including with Israel, the Congress argues that such ties should not come at the expense of principles. With elections approaching, the issue is likely to feature prominently in political discourse.
