Congress attacks Modi govt for abstaining on Gaza ceasefire resolution in UN

New Delhi: Congress on Saturday attacked the Modi government for abstaining from voting during UN General Assembly resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, accusing it of leaving India's foreign policy is in "shambles" while asking whether India has has abandoned its principled stand against war, against genocide, and for justice.

"It is now increasingly evident that our Foreign Policy is in shambles. Perhaps, PM Modi must now take a call on his EAM’s repeated blunders and set some accountability. 149 countries voted for a UNGA resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza. India was only one of the 19 countries that abstained. We virtually stand isolated by this step," Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge posted on 'X'.

Emphasising that Congress had condemned the attacks by Hamas on the people of Israel on 8 October, 2023, he said they had "consistently condemned the indiscriminate actions" that included a siege of the Gaza Strip and bombings in it.

He said, "60,000 people have died and there is a widespread and horrific humanitarian crisis. Have we abandoned India's consistent stand advocating for a ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the Middle East and West Asia?" he said.

"This stance is deeply rooted in our long-standing tradition of Non-Alignment and moral diplomacy, through which India has always championed justice and peace in international conflicts," he said while recalling that on 19 October, 2023, itself, the Congress had called for an immediate ceasefire and for humanitarian assistance to the beleaguered and dispossessed people of Gaza.

"India cannot stand by silently or passively while the region faces horrific violence, humanitarian catastrophe, and increasing instability," he added.

Congress General Secretary (Communications) Jairam Ramesh said, "Mr Narendra Modi goes out of his way to appease his close friend Benjamin Netanyahu, who has spearheaded genocide in Gaza and launched an air war on Iran to effect regime change. Yet, Israel puts out a map showing J&K as part of Pakistan and the Northeast as part of Nepal. And there is no rebuke from the Prime Minister of India - or any of his senior colleagues."

Senior Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra said, "this is a tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy. In fact, not only are we standing silent as Mr Netanyahu annihilates an entire nation, we are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms."

"How can we, as a nation, just abandon the principles of our constitution, and the values of our freedom struggle that led the way for an international arena based on peace and humanity?...In a world that is increasingly divisive, we must reclaim our voice for humanity and stand fearlessly for truth and non-violence," she said.

Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal said India always stood for peace, justice, and human dignity "but today, India stands alone as the only country in South Asia, BRICS, and SCO to abstain on a UNGA resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. 60,000 killed. Most of them are women and children. Thousands starving. International aid blocked. A humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding."

Asking whether India abandoned its principled stand against war, against genocide, and for justice, he said the Ministry of External Affairs must explain what has changed in the last six months that led India from supporting a ceasefire to abstaining.

"We know this government has little regard for Nehru-ji’s legacy, but why abandon even Vajpayee-ji’s principled stance on Palestine?...At a time when the region is witnessing unspeakable violence, humanitarian collapse, and growing instability, India cannot afford to remain silent or passive," he said.