Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticised the Modi government’s silence on the “targeted assassination” as an abdication of moral leadership and a betrayal of India’s traditional principles.
The killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israeli airstrike has triggered has sparked sharp criticism from opposition parties in India. Leaders across political parties have both condemned the assassination as a violation of sovereignty and also accused the Modi government of maintaining a silent stance toward the US and Israel.
Calling the attack “despicable”, Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Sunday, March 1, described the incident as a “targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the so-called leaders of the democratic world”. She also highlighted the deaths of “multitudes of innocent people” and lamented that multiple nations have now been dragged into conflict.
“The world needs peace not more unnecessary wars,” Gandhi said, invoking MK Gandhi’s famous words: “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” Without directly naming US President Donald Trump or Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, she urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to prioritise the safety of Indian citizens in the affected Middle Eastern countries.
Her brother, Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, had on Saturday expressed deep concern over the rapidly escalating hostilities between the US-Israel alliance and Iran, stressing that the safety and security of every Indian citizen in the Middle East must be the highest priority. He called on the government to take immediate and proactive measures.
Other opposition voices echoed similar sentiments. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera criticised the Modi government’s silence on the “targeted assassination” as an abdication of moral leadership and a betrayal of India’s traditional principles. Congress party spokesman Jairam Ramesh said Sunday that the Modi government’s response has been a “betrayal of India’s values, principles, concerns, and interests”.
AAP leader Sanjay Singh urged Modi to speak out against what he called the “tyranny” of the US and Israel, while CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby termed the killing “utterly reprehensible” and urged India to rally democratic voices for an end to the violence. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav called for the government to clarify its stance and pursue diplomatic efforts as a neutral party to restore peace.
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that he has written to PM Modi urging for the safety of its citizens.
“Wrote to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi expressing our deep apprehension over the escalating situation in the Gulf region following the attack on Iran. Requested urgent preparedness to ensure the safety of our Pravasis, including their safe return if necessary. The Government of Kerala stands ready to offer all possible assistance, including setting up helplines for relatives,” he wrote on X.
The Communist Party of India (Marxist) polit bureau has strongly condemns the attacks, noting that they were a “flagrant violation” of the international law.
“The US and Israel carried out these attacks ignoring the ongoing negotiations with Iran. It is amply clear from the attacks and the statements of US President Donald Trump that they never believed in these negotiations. The US is acting as a belligerent bully, attacking sovereign countries at will. The attack on Iran follows its recent attack on Venezuela and threats issued to Cuba,” the party stated on X.
“The attack on Iran comes immediately after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded his visit to Israel. The Government of India should unequivocally condemn the attacks on its friendly country Iran and demand the immediate cessation of hostilities,” it further said.
The CPI has also condemned the military attacks. In a statement, party leader D Raja said, “The Communist Party of India strongly condemns the unilateral military attacks carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran. These acts constitute a grave violation of international law and the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter. Such reckless military adventurism threatens to further destabilise the entire West Asian region, pushing it towards a wider and more destructive conflict.
“The CPI firmly believes that these attacks are part of a dangerous strategy aimed at imposing regime change in Iran through military force, in complete disregard of the sovereignty of nations and the right of peoples to determine their own political future. The Communist Party of India demands an immediate and unconditional halt to the ongoing military aggression against Iran by the United States and Israel, and calls upon the international community, particularly the United Nations, to urgently intervene to stop further escalation and protect regional peace, as the continuation of these attacks will only intensify instability, suffering and destruction across West Asia. The CPI calls upon the Government of India to categorically condemn these attacks.”
He demanded that India “must not, in any form, be complicit in or supportive of actions that violate international law and endanger regional and global peace”.
The Modi government has refrained from direct commentary on Khamenei’s death from the Prime Minister himself as of Sunday afternoon.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, issued a statement on Saturday expressing deep concern over developments in Iran and the Gulf region. It urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, prioritize civilian safety, and pursue dialogue and diplomacy while respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep concern and urged communities to remain calm and avoid actions that could heighten tensions, while noting coordination with the MEA for the safety of residents, including students, in Iran.
(This article first appeared in The Wire)
Also Read: Indian Nationals In Iran Cautioned After Coordinated US, Israel Strike https://www.vibesofindia.com/indian-nationals-in-iran-cautioned-after-coordinated-us-israel-strike/
