Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his handling of the ongoing West Asia conflict, alleging that India has been sidelined in international negotiations and questioning the country’s strategic autonomy.
Referring to reports that Pakistan may be mediating discussions between the United States and Iran, Gandhi said India’s foreign policy appears to be driven by the Prime Minister’s personal decisions. “This is now being seen as a global joke. Everyone is talking about it,” he said, pointing to what he described as Modi’s weakened position on the global stage.
Gandhi also spoke about the influence of former US President Donald Trump, claiming that Washington is aware of Modi’s limitations. “If the Prime Minister is compromised, India’s foreign policy is automatically compromised. The US deal clearly reflects this imbalance,” he added.
The Congress leader further criticised Modi’s recent Lok Sabha speech, calling it “irrelevant” and lacking clarity. He warned that ordinary citizens could be affected by diplomatic shortcomings, particularly through rising prices of essentials like LPG, petrol, and fertilisers. Gandhi also referred to the hardships during the COVID-19 pandemic, suggesting that lessons from that period had not been fully learned.
Earlier in Vadodara, Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister deliberately avoided naming the United States in Parliament and claimed that Modi is heavily influenced by Washington. He also said that the Prime Minister would not be able to defend India’s position in a parliamentary debate on the issue.
Meanwhile, addressing the Lok Sabha on Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi briefed lawmakers on the West Asia conflict and its possible impact on India. He described the situation as “worrisome,” highlighting the economic, national security, and humanitarian challenges arising from the conflict. Modi noted that a large share of India’s crude oil and gas imports comes from the region, which is also a crucial trade route.
“The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been ongoing for over three weeks, affecting the global economy and the lives of millions. Early resolution is being urged worldwide,” Modi said.
On India’s diplomatic role, the Prime Minister reiterated efforts to de-escalate tensions, mentioning his discussions with key West Asian leaders. He condemned
