New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

A fresh political storm has erupted over India’s foreign policy stance, with senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi launching a direct attack on the Centre and demanding a detailed debate in Parliament. She questioned what she described as the Prime Minister’s “silence” on recent geopolitical developments and alleged that the government’s diplomatic approach reflects “double standards and a lack of clarity.”


Questions Over Government’s Silence
Sonia Gandhi referred to recent developments in West Asia, particularly reports concerning Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, stating that any attack or threat against the top leadership of a sovereign nation raises serious global concerns.
She argued that India’s position on such sensitive matters must be principled, transparent, and consistent, especially at a time of heightened international tensions.


Issue to Be Raised in Parliament
The Congress party has indicated that it will press for a comprehensive discussion during the ongoing Budget Session of Parliament.
According to party sources:
Developments involving heads of sovereign states carry far-reaching diplomatic consequences.
India must adopt a balanced and clearly articulated stance.
Silence on critical global issues weakens India’s moral authority.


Reference to Prime Minister’s Israel Visit
Sonia Gandhi also cited the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Israel and the support expressed towards its government, questioning whether India’s traditional foreign policy doctrine is being recalibrated.
She emphasized that India’s diplomatic legacy has historically been rooted in:
Strategic balance
Peace and non-alignment
Respect for sovereignty
“If India does not firmly uphold the principles of sovereignty and peace, how will nations of the Global South repose their trust in us?” she asked.


Call for Restoration of Moral Values
In her statement, Sonia Gandhi underscored that India’s global identity has long been associated with peace, non-violence, justice, and respect for sovereignty.
She further alleged that while the government refrained from clearly responding to actions by the United States and Israel, it was quick to criticize Iran’s countermeasures — a move she claimed sends a message of diplomatic imbalance.


Political Temperature Rises
With foreign policy now emerging as a contentious domestic political issue, a sharp confrontation between the ruling establishment and the opposition appears imminent in Parliament.
Political observers believe that the debate could evolve into a broader discussion on India’s strategic positioning in a rapidly shifting global order, making foreign policy a key flashpoint in national politics in the coming days.