India’s silence on Gaza unacceptable: Anand Sharma

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 mediapersons today, Sharma urged the government to recalibrate its stand and reclaim moral standing as a voice of the Global South.

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

Sharma referred to the unfolding crisis in Gaza and quoted UN agencies to say that almost half a million people, mostly children and women, were 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 the Israeli military control. India has its relations with both Israel and Palestine. Why can’t India use its influence and voice to tell Israel to stop, that’s a question,” asked Sharma.

He cited the June 12 UN General Assembly resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, noting that while 149 countries voted in favour, India abstained.

“The land of Gandhi did not vote for peace and ceasefire. That one action diminished India’s credibility as a leader and voice of Global South because all 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, 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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