Congress Says Modi Speech Hurt India’s Standing
India’s main opposition party, the Congress, criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Israeli Parliament on Thursday, saying the speech damaged India’s moral standing. The reaction adds to political debate at home following Modi’s visit to Israel and remarks in the Knesset.
Congress Slams Modi Israeli Parliament Speech
Congress general secretary for communications Jairam Ramesh described Modi’s address in the Israeli Parliament as an “unabashed defence” of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and said it “diminished India’s moral standing”. He made the remarks on social media, invoking historical references including a letter from India’s first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru on Palestine. The criticism reflects opposition concerns about India’s diplomatic positioning amid regional tensions.
Opposition Reaction To Modi Israel Visit
The Congress criticised Modi for highlighting India’s early recognition of Israel during his speech, saying it reinforced a one-sided approach. Ramesh contrasted the current address with Nehru’s historical statements that expressed sympathy for both Jewish and Arab perspectives in the Middle East conflict. The party also cited external commentary to support its critique of the tone of the Knesset address.
India Foreign Policy Debate After Knesset Address
Modi’s speech in the Israeli Parliament emphasised solidarity with Israel, condolences for civilian deaths in past attacks and support for peace initiatives in the region. While his remarks were welcomed in Jerusalem, the Congress argued they could affect perceptions of India’s traditional stance on balanced mediation in international conflicts. The response from the opposition highlights ongoing domestic debate over India’s diplomatic relations and foreign policy priorities.=
