Sonia Gandhi Slams Centre’s Silence On Khamenei Death
Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Monday criticised the Centre over its response to the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, saying that “silence is not neutral” at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia.
Sonia Gandhi On Khamenei Death
In a statement, Sonia Gandhi said the Union government must clarify India’s position following developments in Iran amid the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict. She argued that India has historically maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran and should articulate its stance clearly during moments of regional instability.
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has served as Iran’s Supreme Leader since 1989, has been a central figure in Iran’s political and religious establishment. Reports of his death have triggered reactions from several political leaders globally, with governments closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia.
Congress Questions Centre’s Foreign Policy Stand
The Congress leader stated that India’s foreign policy has traditionally balanced relations across West Asia, including ties with Iran, Israel, and Gulf nations. She suggested that remaining publicly silent in such circumstances could be interpreted as a departure from that approach.
The Centre has so far not issued a detailed public statement specifically addressing the reports concerning Khamenei, though India continues to engage diplomatically with countries in the region.
Iran-Israel Conflict And Regional Impact
The broader Iran-Israel tensions have escalated in recent weeks, raising concerns about regional stability, energy supplies, and the safety of Indian nationals in the region. India maintains strategic and economic interests in West Asia, including energy imports and infrastructure investments such as the Chabahar Port project in Iran.
Officials have indicated that India is closely monitoring the situation while prioritising the safety of its citizens abroad.
