Former Congress President Sonia Gandhi has publicly criticized the Indian government’s approach to the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. She believes that India should adopt a more vocal and assertive stance on the Palestinian issue, viewing the government’s lack of comment as a failure to uphold humanitarian and ethical standards.
Gandhi, in an English newspaper article, claimed that the government’s foreign policy decisions are often driven by personal friendships rather than India’s constitutional principles or national interests. She attributed the government’s silence on the Palestinian issue to the close relationship between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The article also criticized the government’s focus on personal diplomacy, using the example of the Modi-Trump friendship. Gandhi suggested this approach is not a suitable model for Indian foreign policy, pointing to recent difficulties in these relationships.
She highlighted the recent recognition of Palestine by France, alongside Britain, Canada, Portugal, and Australia. Gandhi noted that over 150 of the 193 UN member states recognize Palestine.
Gandhi highlighted India’s historical support for Palestine, including its long-standing backing of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). She noted that India formally recognized the Palestinian state on November 8, 1988. She also pointed to India’s early condemnation of apartheid in South Africa and its support for Algeria during its independence war (1954-62). Furthermore, India supported Bangladesh during its 1971 war with Pakistan, contributing significantly to its independence.
Gandhi emphasized the importance of India taking a leadership role on the Palestinian issue, which she describes as a fight for justice, recognition, respect, and human rights. She emphasized India’s past commitment to a balanced and principled approach to complex issues like Israel and Palestine.
This recent article marks Sonia Gandhi’s third commentary in recent months on the Israel-Palestine conflict, consistently critiquing the Modi government’s policy on the matter.