Congress Rajya Sabha MP Sonia Gandhi has questioned the Indian government’s silence on the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She said, “Delhi’s silence is surprising; it’s not neutrality, but an abdication of responsibility.” In an article published in the Indian Express on Tuesday, she wrote, “On March 1, Iran confirmed that its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei was assassinated in a targeted attack by the US and Israel a day earlier. The assassination of a sitting head of state while diplomatic-level talks are underway between the two countries highlights a serious rift in international relations.” Sonia wrote that the Indian government neither condemned the assassination nor issued a clear response to the violation of Iran’s sovereignty. Modi ignored the US-Israeli attack, only condemning Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the UAE. Later, the Prime Minister expressed “deep concern” and called for “dialogue and diplomacy,” even though the attack occurred while diplomatic negotiations were ongoing between the two countries. 5 key points from Sonia Gandhi’s article… 1. Murder without a declaration of war: This assassination occurred without a formal declaration of war and during an ongoing negotiation process. According to Article 2(4) of the United Nations Charter, it is wrong to use or threaten force against the borders or political independence of any country. The targeted killing of a sitting head of state violates these rules. If even the world’s largest democracy does not speak out, international norms could be weakened. 2. Prime Minister’s visit to Israel: Just 48 hours before the assassination, the Prime Minister had returned from a visit to Israel. There, he reiterated his support for the Benjamin Netanyahu government. This occurred at a time of worldwide outrage over the killing of a large number of civilians, including women and children, in the Gaza conflict. 3. Stance of the Global South and BRICS countries: Many countries in the Global South, as well as BRICS partners Russia and China, have maintained a distance from the issue. At such a time, India’s open support, without a clear moral stance, could send the wrong message. According to Sonia Gandhi, its impact will not be limited to regional politics but will be felt worldwide. 4. Condemnation of bombings and targeted killings The Indian National Congress unequivocally condemns the bombings and targeted killings on Iranian soil. This is a dangerous step for the region and the world. The party expresses its condolences to the people of Iran and the Shia community worldwide. 5. Reference to the Constitution Article 51 of the Indian Constitution states that disputes between countries should be resolved through dialogue, that equality of all countries should be respected, and that there should be no interference in the internal affairs of others. These principles have long been the foundation of India’s foreign policy. The current silence does not align with these principles. Sonia Gandhi mentioned India-Iran relations. Sonia Gandhi said that in 1994, some OIC countries attempted to introduce a resolution against India on the Kashmir issue in the United Nations Human Rights Commission. At that time, Iran played a key role in preventing it, preventing the Kashmir issue from reaching the international level. Iran allowed India a diplomatic presence in Zahedan, near the Pakistan border, which is crucial for the Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. During his visit to Tehran in April 2001, then-Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee reiterated the deep ties between the two countries. Sonia Gandhi’s Israel-India Relations and the Question of Credibility: Sonia Gandhi wrote that in recent years, India-Israel relations have grown in the areas of defense, agriculture, and technology. India has ties with both Tehran and Tel Aviv, so it can appeal for restraint. But this is only possible if it maintains credibility and adopts a principled approach. Sonia Gandhi said that approximately 10 million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. During crises like the Gulf War, Yemen, Iraq, and Syria, India was able to protect its citizens because it was considered an independent and neutral country, not a proxy for any power. She said that after independence, India’s foreign policy was based on non-alignment, which was not passive neutrality, but strategic autonomy. The current situation indicates a weakening of that stance. If India does not speak clearly on the violation of sovereignty in the case of Iran, how will smaller countries trust it in the future? Sonia demanded a debate in Parliament. Sonia Gandhi said that in the next meeting of Parliament, there should be an open debate on the targeted killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the Indian government’s silence on it, and the resulting weakening of international law and principles of sovereignty. The destruction of international norms and the growing instability in West Asia are linked to India’s strategic and moral interests. She said that India has long advocated for “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” which is not just a formal slogan but a commitment to justice, restraint, and dialogue. At a time when the rules-based order is under pressure, remaining silent is an abdication of responsibility. …………………………. Also read this article by Sonia Gandhi… Sonia said, “Iran is an old friend, India’s silence is disturbing: The government should speak strongly on Israel’s attacks, it is not too late.” Congress Chairperson Sonia Gandhi condemned the Israeli attack on Iran. He wrote in an article in The Hindu that Israel is a nuclear power, but Iran is being targeted despite not possessing nuclear weapons. This demonstrates Israel’s double standards. He also said that Iran has been a longtime friend of India, and India’s silence in such circumstances is disturbing. Read the full story…
