NOT SILENCE, BUT STATESMANSHIP

AREBUTTAL TO SONIA GANDHI’S EDITORIAL ON INDIA’S IRAN POLICY

- SIDDHARTHA DAVE

Sonia Gandhi, in today’s Indian Express editorial, has accused the Government of India of “abdication” and “silence” over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader.

The charge is dramatic and morally loaded. But foreign policy cannot be assessed through rhetorical intensity. It must be judged through facts, context, and strategic consequence.

The allegation of silence collapses immediately when one examines the Prime Minister’s actions during this Middle East crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged directly and swiftly with leaders across West Asia. He spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, conveying India’s deep concern about the evolving situation and reaffirming support for peace, security, and the well-being of the Jordanian people, while expressing gratitude for the protection extended to the Indian community. He discussed the situation in detail with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman, explicitly condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia in violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressing the urgent need for restoration of regional peace and stability. He held a productive conversation with King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, condemning attacks on Bahrain and expressing solidarity in difficult times. He spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netan-yahu, conveying India’s concerns over recent developments, emphasising the safety of civilians, and reiterating the need for an early cessation of hostilities. He also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemning the attacks on the UAE, condoling the loss oflives, and standing firmly in solidarity, while thanking him for safeguarding the Indian community. Thisis not silence; this is calibrated, multi-directional diplomacy in real time.

The editorial also omits a crucial regional reality.