Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh launched a blistering attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, condemning his recent trip to Israel as “shameful” in the wake of a joint US-Israel military strike on Iran.
Calling the escalation “fully expected” following months of military build up, Ramesh accused Modi of displaying “the highest moral cowardice” by proceeding with the visit despite the looming conflict. “Just two days after Modi’s celebratory visit, Israel and the US began their assault on Iran,” he said, highlighting the timing.
Ramesh further criticised Modi for publicly backing Israel and accepting an award amid rising tensions in West Asia. “He declared India’s support for Israel and received an accolade for it, even as the region teetered on the edge of war,” Ramesh said. “This visit was disgraceful, especially given the war launched by two of Modi’s ‘good friends.’”
The coordinated strikes mark a dangerous new chapter in the long-standing Iran-Israel standoff, with months of military mobilisation and sharp rhetoric setting the stage. India, which has historically balanced close ties with both Israel and Iran, now faces criticism for appearing to side openly with one party at a critical moment.
Ramesh warned that Modi’s actions undermine India’s traditional foreign policy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment. “Openly aligning with one side in an impending war jeopardises India’s moral and diplomatic standing,” he said.
As the conflict intensifies, India’s geopolitical positioning and Modi’s diplomatic approach are likely to come under increased scrutiny, fuelling heated political debate across the country.