New Delhi, June 27 (IANS) Seven opinion pieces in two years. Three focused on Gaza and Iran. Sonia Gandhi’s repeated focus on West Asia has triggered a fresh political debate over her priorities and the intent behind her criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government.

In her latest op-ed, the Congress leader accuses the Centre of maintaining “silence” on Gaza and claims India is drifting away from its traditional foreign policy.

However, government sources reject the charge, pointing to India’s repeated calls for dialogue, humanitarian assistance for Palestinians, support for a two-state solution, and diplomatic engagement acknowledged even by Iran.

The contrast has prompted government sources and political observers to raise a broader question: Is Sonia Gandhi highlighting a genuine foreign policy concern, or is her repeated focus on Gaza and Iran aimed at sending a political message to a key domestic constituency?

Sonia Gandhi’s charge that India has maintained “silence” and displayed an “abdication” of its moral and diplomatic responsibilities does not square with New Delhi’s consistent diplomatic engagement in West Asia.

Officials point out that India has repeatedly reiterated its support for a two-state solution, humanitarian assistance for the Palestinian people, and a peaceful resolution to the Gaza conflict while simultaneously maintaining strong strategic ties with Israel.

Government sources further note that India’s diplomatic outreach has been acknowledged internationally. They recall how during heightened tensions in the region earlier this year, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a conversation.

The Iranian leader had described India as a “trusted friend”. He also appreciated New Delhi’s consistent advocacy for dialogue, diplomacy, and de-escalation.

Moreover, Iranian officials and the Iranian Embassy in India also publicly appreciated India’s humanitarian assistance. They also lauded India’s “balanced diplomatic approach”.

With this in view, BJP leaders argue that Sonia Gandhi ignores India’s actual diplomatic record. India has neither abandoned Palestine nor uncritically aligned itself with Israel, they contend.

What India has done is it has instead attempted to maintain a calibrated position that safeguards humanitarian concerns, regional stability, energy security, and India’s national interests, say analysts.

Government sources also point to what they describe as a noticeable pattern in Sonia Gandhi’s writings over the past two years. She has authored seven opinion pieces over the past two years, with three focusing on Gaza or Iran, they remark.

This, they argue, raises legitimate political questions about why these issues receive repeated attention while several humanitarian crises closer to India’s immediate strategic concerns receive comparatively little attention.

Repeated criticism by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi over Gaza is intended to resonate with sections of Muslim voters ahead of future elections rather than contribute to a substantive debate on foreign policy, political analysts argue.

They wonder whether the Congress leadership is attempting to frame India’s foreign policy through a domestic political lens.

Political observers ask whether Gandhi has been equally vocal on issues such as the persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh, the exodus of Afghan Sikhs following the Taliban’s return to power, or the displacement of Kashmiri Hindus.

The “selective” emphasis reflects political priorities rather than a comprehensive human rights perspective, BJP leaders argue.

–IANS

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