The Congress on Tuesday questioned the Narendra Modi government's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying the absence of a clear statement raises concerns about India's foreign policy direction.
Congress president Sonia Gandhi said the Prime Minister has not directly responded to Khamenei's killing. She noted that New Delhi has so far only called for restraint and de-escalation in West Asia, without issuing a specific statement on the death of the Iranian leader.
Khamenei was killed in a reported joint US-Israeli strike, according to Iran's official announcement on March 1.
Sonia Gandhi criticises Union government's silence
Sonia Gandhi said the Prime Minister's silence should not be seen as neutrality. According to her, it reflects a departure from India’s established diplomatic position.
She recalled India's long-standing ties with Iran and referred to developments in 1994. At that time, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) had moved an anti-India resolution on Kashmir at the UN Human Rights Commission. She said Iran played an important role in preventing international pressure on India over the Kashmir issue.
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According to her, if Tehran had not supported New Delhi then, the Kashmir issue could have taken a more complicated and sensitive turn internationally.
She also referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's visit to Tehran, describing it as a period that strengthened India-Iran relations.
Union government's diplomatic engagements
India has publicly called for restraint amid the escalating conflict in West Asia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held telephone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Prime Minister has also spoken with other Gulf leaders in recent days.
Sonia Gandhi said that the assassination of a sitting head of state during ongoing discussions marks a serious moment in international relations. She added that India's silence during Iran’s difficult period raises questions about the credibility and future direction of its foreign policy.
The government has not issued a separate statement responding directly to her remarks.
