The Congress on Saturday criticised the Narendra Modi government for remaining silent on recent remarks made by an Israeli minister, with senior party leader Jairam Ramesh alleging that New Delhi’s approach towards Israel was undermining India’s national interests at a sensitive moment in West Asia.
In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh referred to the recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the United States and Iran and said the agreement, which has received a cautious welcome from countries across the world, continued to face serious challenges.
”The US-Iran MOU that has been cautiously welcomed the world over faces many threats, the most important of which is posed by Israel,” Ramesh said.
The Congress leader cited remarks made by Israel’s National Security Minister, who reportedly called for Lebanon to “burn”, and noted that the comments had attracted widespread international criticism.
”His remarks have drawn wide condemnation. But as usual the Modi Govt has kept totally quiet,” Ramesh said.
Stepping up his attack on the Centre’s foreign policy, Ramesh alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close ties with Israel were adversely affecting India’s broader strategic interests.
”The PM’s blind devotion to Israel is hurting our country’s interests, even though the interests of the Modani empire may get protected,” he said, using a term frequently employed by opposition parties to allege proximity between the government and select business interests.
The Congress has repeatedly urged the government to adopt what it describes as a more balanced position on developments in West Asia, particularly amid escalating tensions involving Israel, Iran and neighbouring countries.
The opposition party has argued that India’s long-standing diplomatic relationships across the region, including with Arab nations and Iran, require a calibrated approach that prioritises national interests and regional stability.
The latest criticism comes against the backdrop of continuing uncertainty over the implementation of the US-Iran understanding, which is being viewed by many countries as an important step towards reducing tensions in the region after months of heightened confrontation. Political observers note that any deterioration in the security situation in West Asia could have significant implications for global energy markets and for countries such as India that maintain extensive economic and strategic interests in the region.
