The Congress party has sharply criticized the Narendra Modi government for allegedly abandoning the Palestinians, even as India’s Prime Minister prepares for a high-profile visit to Israel. The visit comes amid ongoing civilian casualties in Gaza, which have drawn global attention and condemnation.
Congress general secretary in-charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, accused the government of making “cynical and hypocritical statements” about supporting the Palestinian cause, while in reality leaving them unsupported. “Israel’s dispossession and displacement of thousands of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has intensified and drawn worldwide condemnation,” Ramesh said on X, adding that attacks on civilians in Gaza continue mercilessly.
Ramesh also highlighted growing tensions in the region, pointing to planned air assaults on Iran by Israel and the United States. “Yet the Prime Minister is going to Israel tomorrow, where there is a long-standing connection, to embrace his good friend Mr. Netanyahu, who faces very serious corruption charges,” he said.
He further noted that opposition lawmakers in Israel are threatening to boycott Modi’s address to the Israeli Parliament in protest against Netanyahu’s actions, which they claim are undermining judicial independence.
Ramesh reminded that India has historically been a supporter of Palestinian statehood, being among the earliest countries to recognize Palestine on November 18, 1988. “The Modi government’s current stance forgets this history and abandons those who have long counted on India’s support,” he said.
Modi’s visit, scheduled for February 25, is set to last two days, during which he is expected to address the Knesset and meet both Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. Domestic politics have also intertwined with the visit, with opposition parties threatening to boycott his parliamentary address unless the Supreme Court chief is invited according to protocol.
This visit underscores the delicate balance India faces in maintaining its international relationships while also responding to humanitarian concerns. For many observers, it raises urgent questions about how India positions itself amid escalating regional conflicts and global expectations.
