Silence Is Not Neutrality: Sonia Gandhi Criticises Modi Govt’s Stand on Palestine

New Delhi (Fikrokhabar News): Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticised the Narendra Modi-led Union government’s stance on Palestine, calling it a “profound silence” and an “abdication of humanity and morality.”

In her article published in The Hindu titled “India’s muted voice, its detachment with Palestine”, Gandhi said India’s foreign policy cannot be shaped by “personalised diplomacy” based on Prime Minister Modi’s friendship with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.

India’s Historic Role vs. Present Silence

Gandhi reminded that India had always stood by struggles for justice from opposing apartheid in South Africa to supporting Algeria’s independence and intervening in 1971 to stop genocide in East Pakistan. India also formally recognised Palestine on November 18, 1988.

“India needs to show leadership on the issue of Palestine. This is not just about foreign policy, but about justice, dignity, and human rights,” she said.

Criticism of Israel’s Actions

Referring to the ongoing Gaza crisis, Gandhi said:

• Over 55,000 Palestinians, including 17,000 children, have been killed since October 2023.
• Gaza’s homes, schools, hospitals, farms, and industries have been “obliterated.”
• The Israeli military has created “a famine-like situation” by blocking essential aid.

She described Israel’s retaliation to Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack as “nothing less than genocidal.”

Global Recognition of Palestine

Gandhi welcomed the recent recognition of Palestinian statehood by the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Portugal, noting that over 150 UN member states now back it. “These are not just diplomatic gestures; they are affirmations of moral responsibility,” she said.

“Silence Is Complicity”

Hitting out at the Modi government, Gandhi said India’s once “unwavering” voice for freedom has gone “conspicuously muted.” She also criticised India’s recent bilateral investment agreement with Israel and its decision to host Israel’s far-right finance minister.

“Silence is not neutrality. It is complicity,” Gandhi declared. “We owe Palestine both historical empathy and the courage to translate that empathy into principled action.”