Sonia Gandhi Criticises Centre’s Silence On Iran Leader’s Killing, Calls For Parliamentary Debate

Senior Congress leader Sonia Gandhi has criticised the Union government for not responding to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, arguing that India’s silence undermines its stated commitment to international law and strategic autonomy.

In an opinion article, Gandhi said the killing of a sitting head of state during ongoing diplomatic efforts represented a serious rupture in global norms. She wrote that New Delhi’s failure to clearly condemn the attack or the violation of Iranian sovereignty raised concerns about the credibility of India’s foreign policy. According to her, “Silence, in this instance, is not neutral.”

Gandhi pointed to the government’s initial response, noting that the Prime Minister condemned Iran’s retaliatory strike on the UAE without addressing the events that preceded it.

She said later statements expressing “deep concern” and urging “dialogue and diplomacy” rang hollow because negotiations were already underway before the strikes.

She argued that the absence of a principled stand weakened India’s traditional advocacy of sovereignty and restraint under international law.

Referring to India’s recent diplomatic engagements, Gandhi highlighted the timing of the assassination shortly after the Prime Minister’s visit to Israel, where he reiterated support for the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

She said India’s position contrasted with that of several Global South countries and even partners such as Russia and China, warning that it could be seen as tacit approval of escalating violence.

The Congress party, she said, has condemned the strikes on Iranian soil and extended condolences, reaffirming that India’s foreign policy is rooted in peaceful dispute resolution as reflected in the Constitution.

Gandhi underlined Iran’s past diplomatic support to India on issues such as Kashmir and its strategic relevance in regional connectivity.

Calling for democratic accountability, she said Parliament must debate the issue when it reconvenes.

Invoking India’s civilisational ethos, she wrote that “vasudhaiva kutumbakam — the world is one family” demands a commitment to justice and dialogue, adding that “at moments when the rules-based order is under visible strain, silence is abdication.”

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