Sonia Gandhi Gaza Iran statement 2025 criticizes Modi govt’s silence on Israel’s strikes and Gaza crisis, calling it a surrender of India’s diplomatic values.
New Delhi, June 20 (The Chandigarh News): In a powerful and emotionally charged statement, Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has come down heavily on the Indian government for its continued silence on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent airstrikes on Iran. She described the silence as not just political passivity but a “surrender of India’s moral and diplomatic values.”
In her opinion piece titled “It is still not too late for India’s voice to be heard,” published on Saturday, Gandhi accused the Narendra Modi-led government of abandoning India’s traditional commitment to a peaceful two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Her remarks have reignited debate on India’s foreign policy stance, particularly its increasing closeness to Israel and the West, while staying silent on civilian suffering and international law violations.
A Humanitarian Catastrophe Ignored
Referring to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, Gandhi said the situation on the ground has crossed the bounds of human suffering:
“More than 55,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. Entire families, neighborhoods, and even hospitals have been obliterated. Gaza stands on the brink of famine, and its civilian population continues to suffer unspeakable hardship.”
She condemned the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks as “absolutely horrific and totally unacceptable” but added that Israel’s response has been disproportionate, brutal, and inhumane, echoing the views of many global humanitarian agencies.
Unlawful Strike on Iran Raises Alarm
On June 13, 2025, Israel reportedly launched airstrikes on Iranian territory, including targeted assassinations—an act Gandhi called “deeply troubling and unlawful.” She said this act of unilateral militarism not only violated Iran’s sovereignty but also had grave regional and global consequences.
“Israel’s actions against Iran have taken place in an atmosphere of impunity, enabled by near-unconditional support from powerful Western nations,” she said.
India’s Silence: A Departure from Tradition
Gandhi expressed deep concern that India, once a vocal advocate of peaceful diplomacy, has chosen to remain silent in the face of these aggressive and devastating acts. According to her, this reflects not only a strategic vacuum but also a moral retreat.
“New Delhi’s silence on the devastation in Gaza and now on the unprovoked escalation against Iran reflects a disturbing departure from our moral and diplomatic traditions.”
She warned that India’s foreign policy is losing its soul, as the government aligns itself more closely with Western strategic interests rather than charting an independent, ethical foreign policy rooted in non-violence, peace, and diplomacy.
On Iran and India’s Historical Relationship
Sonia Gandhi emphasized Iran’s long-standing support for India, especially on sensitive issues like Jammu & Kashmir. She recalled how in 1994, Iran helped block a resolution critical of India at the UN Commission on Human Rights.
“Iran has a history of steadfast support, including at crucial junctures. In contrast, the earlier Imperial State of Iran leaned towards Pakistan during the 1965 and 1971 wars. The Islamic Republic has been more cooperative with India.”
She said this deep historical and civilizational relationship should have made India more vocal and proactive in urging restraint and facilitating dialogue.
A Responsibility, Not Just a Choice
Pointing to India’s close relationships with both Israel and Palestine, Sonia Gandhi noted that this “unique diplomatic position” gives India the leverage to act as a bridge for peace.
“This is not simply an abstract principle. Lakhs of Indian citizens live and work across West Asia. Peace in the region is not just a foreign policy concern—it is a vital national interest.”
She added that remaining neutral in times of human suffering and international conflict diminishes India’s credibility and global standing.
Criticism of Netanyahu and Trump
Sonia Gandhi didn’t hold back in her critique of Israel’s leadership under Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of undermining peace and nurturing extremism.
“Given Netanyahu’s record, it is not surprising that he would choose escalation over engagement.”
She also expressed disappointment with former US President Donald Trump, criticizing his June 17 statement which dismissed his own intelligence chief’s assessment on Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
“The world expects and needs leadership grounded in facts and diplomacy, not force and falsehoods.”
Final Appeal: “It’s Not Too Late”
Ending on a hopeful note, Gandhi urged the Indian government to speak up and act responsibly, using every diplomatic tool available to reduce tensions and promote peace in West Asia.
“It is still not too late. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue.”
A Defining Moment for Indian Diplomacy
Sonia Gandhi’s sharp and urgent critique signals a moral dilemma at the heart of India’s foreign policy. As global conflicts intensify, the world watches how India—home to the world’s largest democracy and a rising global power—chooses to respond.
Will India reclaim its legacy of peace, non-alignment, and human rights? Or will silence become the new standard in a world increasingly divided by power politics?
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