Congress Questions Government’s Stance on India-Iran Relations

In New Delhi, Congress MP Sukhdeo Bhagat has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to clarify India’s position regarding its relationship with Iran amidst the escalating conflict in West Asia following the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Bhagat emphasized the need for India to play a proactive role in advocating dialogue as a means of addressing the ongoing violence in the region.

Speaking on March 3, Bhagat expressed concern that war should not be viewed as a resolution to any conflict, highlighting India’s historical association with peace figures like Gandhi and Buddha. He asserted that only through dialogue can lasting peace be achieved, and called for the Prime Minister to take a definitive stance on whether India stands with Iran in light of recent events.

Another Congress MP, Imran Masood, also criticized the government’s silence on the matter, deeming it “painful.” He referred to the killing as a serious violation of international protocols regarding the sanctity of heads of state. Masood highlighted the long-standing friendship between India and Iran, referencing Iran’s support for India in the United Nations on issues such as Kashmir. He argued that India cannot claim to be a ‘Vishwaguru’ while remaining silent on this critical issue, underscoring the need for assertive leadership from the Prime Minister.

Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, voiced her disapproval of the government’s lack of response, stating that remaining silent in the face of a “targeted assassination” reflects a failure of moral responsibility. In an op-ed published in The Indian Express, Gandhi underscored that the absence of a response from New Delhi signifies an implied acceptance of the tragedy.

Gandhi articulated that the assassination of a serving head of state amidst ongoing diplomatic negotiations is a significant breach in contemporary international relations. She criticized the Prime Minister for initially neglecting to address the US-Israeli aggression while only later condemning Iran’s retaliation, thus framing a series of events that reflect a broader disengagement from global diplomatic responsibilities.

On February 28, the United States and Israel carried out extensive airstrikes across multiple locations in Iran, targeting military installations and vital regime infrastructure. This assault resulted in the death of Khamenei, alongside four senior Iranian military officials. Major explosions were reported in prominent cities including Tehran.

The Iranian response involved the launch of ballistic missiles and drone strikes aimed at US interests and allies in the region, which included targets in countries like Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE, and Jordan. This escalating tension has further complicated the already precarious security situation in West Asia, raising concerns for civilians and foreign nationals in the area.

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