Cong invokes 'Indira Gandhi' to slam Modi govt's ‘silence’ for decades-long Iran ties

The Indian National Congress on Monday criticised the Narendra Modi government for its “silence” following the US and Israeli strikes that killed senior Iranian leaders, invoking former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s approach to foreign policy. The party highlighted Gandhi’s 1982 statement at the White House that “one friendship doesn’t come in the way of another” as a guiding principle for India’s diplomatic stance.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had earlier condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the strikes a violation of sovereignty. The party emphasised India’s centuries-old ties with Iran, including a 1950 Treaty of Friendship and ongoing cooperation post-1979 Islamic Revolution, noting the country’s role as a major oil supplier and partner in projects such as the Chabahar Port.

“The senior Iranian leaders were assassinated, yet India did not issue a principled condemnation,” the party said, questioning selective application of foreign policy principles. Congress stressed that India, historically non-aligned, had maintained balanced relations with multiple global powers without treating friendships as exclusive.

Opposition leaders across parties also urged clarity from the Centre. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for a statement on India’s diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation, while RJD MP Manoj Jha said the government’s silence “is making a lot of noise” and described the strikes as “medieval barbarism.”

Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts and emphasised civilian safety during a joint press meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. He also spoke with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting India’s concern over the escalation and urging restraint from all sides.