The Congress leader suggests that the current administration's subdued reaction raises significant questions about the credibility of India’s foreign policy
NEW DELHI – A cloud of concern has been cast over India’s foreign policy approach, as veteran opposition leader and Congress stalwart, Sonia Gandhi, has voiced strong criticism regarding the Narendra Modi government’s perceived silence following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Gandhi described the government’s reticence not as neutrality, but as an “abdication” of its responsibilities.
In an opinion piece published in The Indian Express on Tuesday, the Congress leader suggested that the current administration’s subdued reaction raises significant questions about the credibility of India’s foreign policy and its commitment to principled action over mere expediency.
The Weight of Silence in Diplomacy
Gandhi highlighted that the targeted strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28 in the midst of ongoing diplomatic efforts, resulted in Khamenei’s death. She observed that New Delhi’s response—which has largely been limited to condemning Iran’s retaliatory actions against the UAE and generalised calls for de-escalation—appears insufficient to uphold international law or sovereignty.
“When the targeted killing of a foreign leader elicits no clear defence of sovereignty or international law from our nation,” Gandhi wrote, “it casts serious doubt on the direction and reliability of our foreign policy. In this context, silence represents an abdication, rather than a balanced approach.”
She further cautioned that such an assassination, occurring without a formal declaration of war, could undermine established global norms. “Should such actions proceed without a principled objection from the world’s largest democracy, the erosion of international standards risks becoming commonplace,” Gandhi asserted.
Historical and Strategic Ties with Iran Recalled
The Congress leader also underscored India’s enduring civilisational and strategic connections with Iran. She referenced Tehran’s support in 1994, which helped to counter efforts to internationalise the Kashmir dispute, and noted Iran’s instrumental role in facilitating India’s diplomatic presence in Zahedan, near the Pakistan border, as a strategic counterweight to China-Pakistan economic collaborations.
“In April 2001, then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee unequivocally affirmed India’s deep ties with Iran,” Gandhi recalled, suggesting that this kind of balanced engagement appears to have waned in contemporary times.
Navigating Relations with Israel
Gandhi acknowledged India’s burgeoning relationship with Israel across defence, technology, and agriculture sectors. She argued that “it is precisely because India maintains relationships with both Tehran and Tel Aviv that it possesses the diplomatic latitude to advocate for restraint.” However, she added, “Such influence is predicated on credibility, and credibility stems from principle, not from convenience.”
She also pointed out that Prime Minister Modi had concluded a visit to Israel just 48 hours before Khamenei’s assassination, where he reportedly expressed strong support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, even amid widespread international criticism over civilian casualties in the Gaza conflict.
Broader Strategic Implications
Highlighting the presence of 10 million Indian expatriates working across the Gulf region, Gandhi emphasised that India’s capacity to safeguard its citizens relies heavily on its reputation as an independent global actor. She posed a critical question: “Why should nations in the Global South trust India to defend their territorial integrity in the future if it falters in defending the same principle today?”
Gandhi concluded by reiterating that India’s traditional philosophy of vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the world is one family — is not merely symbolic but mandates a call for justice, restraint, and dialogue, even when it presents challenges. “At a time when the rules-based global order appears increasingly fragile, silence becomes an abdication. India must reclaim the moral fortitude that once defined its global voice.”
The Congress leader has also urged a parliamentary debate on the government’s response during the second part of the Budget session, stressing the critical nature of this issue for India’s strategic interests, international credibility, and moral leadership.
