Sonia Gandhi Slams Government’s Silence on Gaza and Iran Strikes, Calls It a ‘Surrender of Values’

Congress Parliamentary Party Chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticised the Indian government’s continued silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran, calling it a “surrender of values” and a major departure from India’s historic diplomatic principles.

In a sharply worded opinion piece titled “It is still not too late for India’s voice to be heard”, published on Friday, Gandhi expressed dismay over what she termed the Modi government’s “deliberate” inaction and moral indifference. She stated that the absence of an official Indian response to the escalating conflict in West Asia amounts not merely to a loss of voice but to a deeper compromise of India’s traditional foreign policy grounded in non-alignment, justice, and peace.

Referring to the widespread devastation in Gaza, where over 55,000 civilians have reportedly died since Israel’s military campaign began, Gandhi emphasised the need for an urgent and vocal stand in favour of a ceasefire and the resumption of dialogue. She also condemned Israel’s June 13 strike on Iran as “unlawful” and warned it could lead to dangerous regional instability.

Gandhi further highlighted India’s long-standing diplomatic ties with both Israel and Iran, and urged the government to play a constructive role in pushing for peace. She recalled India’s historic advocacy for a two-state solution and cautioned that New Delhi’s current silence may be interpreted globally as complicity or indifference.

Calling the government’s approach a stark break from India’s legacy of principled diplomacy, Gandhi concluded that it is still not too late for India to reclaim its voice on the global stage and act in alignment with its foundational values.