Congress says India’s silence on Gaza crisis ‘unacceptable’; seeks recast of foreign policy

Senior Congress leader and former minister Anand Sharma on Thursday said India’s silence on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza was “unacceptable and a departure from past policy."

Addressing the media today, Sharma urged the government to recalibrate its stand and re-claim moral standing as a voice of the global south.

“India should speak on Gaza," said Sharma adding: “India’s silence has shocked our traditional partner countries — those who looked up to India, expecting it to speak.”

Sharma referred to the unfolding crisis in Gaza and quoted UN agencies, saying that almost half a million people — mostly children and women — are facing starvation.

“It is a human catastrophe, 58,000 and more…It’s not just a number; it concerns an entire people and the region. Around 81 per cent of the territory, there is under illegal occupation since 1967. It is under Israeli military control. India has its relations with both Israel and Palestine. Why can’t the country use its influence and voice to tell Israel to stop, that’s a question?" said Sharma.

Citing the June 12 resolution in the UN general assembly, which sought immediate ceasefire, he said while 149 countries voted for the resolution, India abstained.

“The land of Gandhi did not vote for peace, for a ceasefire. That one action diminished India’s credibility as a leader and voice of the Global South. All other countries of the Global South voted for the resolution, how can the leader not be with them," asked the Congress leader noting that even Europe, including P5 countries — UK, France, and Germany — voted for the resolution and so did India’s partners in BRICS.

“Europe has a strong relationship both with Israel and the US, but voted for humanity, which we did not. It is a fundamental departure from India’s traditional position and the silence continues," said Sharma seeking a recast of foreign policy.

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