Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday voiced deep concern over the escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, cautioning that the fragile West Asian region is being driven towards a broader conflict. He called on the Indian government to adopt a morally clear and consistent foreign policy stance.
In his statement, Gandhi highlighted the uncertainty faced by millions, including nearly 10 million Indians, living in the Gulf and the Middle East amid the rising tensions. He emphasised the potential danger to regional stability and the large Indian diaspora.
Recognising legitimate security concerns, Gandhi warned against violations of national sovereignty, stating, “Attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the crisis.” He condemned unilateral strikes on Iran as well as Iran’s retaliatory attacks on neighbouring Middle Eastern countries, asserting that “violence begets violence” and advocating for dialogue and restraint as the only viable path to peace.
These comments come amid heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, where fears of retaliatory actions and wider regional spillover are growing. India has historically balanced its diplomatic relationships with Israel, Iran, and Arab nations, while consistently championing de-escalation and peaceful dialogue.
Gandhi stressed that India’s foreign policy must remain firmly grounded in its core principles: “India must be morally clear. We should have the courage to speak plainly in defence of international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes—and it must remain consistent.”
In a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi urged clarity on India’s position, questioning, “Does he support the assassination of a head of state as a way to define the world order? Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world.”
The statement reflects the opposition’s push for the government to clarify its stance amid a volatile international environment with significant diplomatic, economic, and security implications for India. Meanwhile, the Centre continues to emphasise restraint and dialogue while closely monitoring developments impacting Indian nationals overseas.