Latest News coming from New Delhi has sparked a strong political debate. Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has openly questioned the Central government’s silence over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. She said that in such a serious matter, staying silent is not “neutral” but looks like avoiding responsibility.
In her article written for The Indian Express, Sonia Gandhi said India shares both civilisational and strategic ties with Iran. According to her, these ties are not new or temporary. She also reminded the government that Iran has helped India in difficult times in the past.
The Centre has not directly commented on Khamenei’s death. However, it has called for “restraint” and “de-escalation” in the Middle East. Government sources say India’s careful response is similar to the stand taken by other major world powers. They also say foreign policy decisions are based on national interest.
But Sonia Gandhi believes this is not enough.
Why Sonia Gandhi Is Raising Questions
Sonia Gandhi explained her concerns clearly and in strong words. Her criticism mainly focuses on three important points:
1. Silence on a Major Global Event
She pointed out that Iran confirmed on March 1 that Ayatollah Khamenei was assassinated in targeted strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel. She described this as a serious break in global diplomatic norms.
According to her, when a sitting head of state is killed during ongoing negotiations, it shakes international relations. She feels that India, being the world’s largest democracy, should have clearly spoken about sovereignty and international law.
She also mentioned that Prime Minister Narendra Modi first reacted only to Iran’s retaliation, without addressing the events that led to it. Later, he spoke about dialogue and diplomacy. But Gandhi said dialogue was already happening before the attacks took place.
2. India’s Long Relationship With Iran
Sonia Gandhi reminded the government that India and Iran share deep historical and cultural ties. These relations are not just political but also civilisational.
She gave an example from 1994. At that time, some members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation tried to bring a resolution against India at the UN Commission on Human Rights over Kashmir. According to her, Iran played an important role in blocking that move. This helped India avoid international pressure during a sensitive period.
She also mentioned Iran’s support in allowing India to maintain a diplomatic presence in Zahedan, near the Pakistan border. This location is strategically important because it balances developments at Gwadar Port and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.
Gandhi even referred to former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s 2001 visit to Tehran. During that visit, Vajpayee warmly acknowledged India’s deep relationship with Iran. She questioned whether the present government still values those old connections.
3. India’s Balance Between Israel and Iran
In today’s Breaking News discussions, many experts are talking about India’s growing ties with Israel. Over the years, India has expanded cooperation with Israel in defence, agriculture, and technology.
Sonia Gandhi said that having relations with both Tehran and Tel Aviv gives India a unique diplomatic advantage. It allows India to act as a voice for peace and restraint. But she warned that this space depends on credibility. If India appears to favour one side too strongly, it may lose trust in the region.
She also mentioned that the Prime Minister had recently visited Israel and shown clear support for the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. This happened while the Gaza conflict continues to face global criticism over civilian deaths.
Concerns About Indians in the Gulf
Another major issue Sonia Gandhi raised is the safety of Indians living in the Middle East.
She said nearly 10 million Indians live and work across the Gulf region. In past crises like the Gulf War, Yemen conflict, and unrest in Iraq and Syria, India managed to protect its citizens because it was seen as an independent and balanced country.
If India is viewed as taking sides, it could make future evacuations or diplomatic negotiations more difficult. She described this as not just a moral issue but also a strategic necessity.
Impact on Global South Leadership
In today’s Daily news highlights, foreign policy experts are also discussing India’s role as a leader of the Global South. Sonia Gandhi questioned whether other developing nations will trust India if it appears silent on issues of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
She asked an important question: If India does not clearly defend international rules today, why would smaller nations believe it will stand up for them tomorrow?
India often promotes the idea of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — meaning the world is one family. According to Gandhi, this should not just be a slogan used at international events. It should reflect real commitment to justice, restraint, and dialogue.
Government’s Position
On the other hand, government sources argue that India’s response is balanced and practical. They say foreign policy is not about emotional reactions but about protecting national interest.
Officials believe that calling for de-escalation is a responsible step, especially when tensions in the Middle East are high. With global concerns about oil prices, regional security, and economic stability, India must act carefully.
This issue has now become a major political debate in India. It is being widely covered in Latest News and international media as well.
