New Delhi, Mar 3 (UNI) Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday expressed concern over escalating hostilities involving the United States, Israel and Iran, warning that the fragile West Asian region was being pushed towards a wider conflict and calling on the Indian government to adopt a morally clear and consistent position.
In a statement issued amid rising tensions, Gandhi, who is also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, said, “Escalating hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran are pushing a fragile region toward wider conflict. Crores of people, including nearly a crore Indians, face uncertainty.” He underscored the potential impact on the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf and the broader Middle East, as well as on regional stability.
While acknowledging that security concerns are real, the Congress MP cautioned against actions that violate national sovereignty. “Attacks that violate sovereignty will only worsen the crisis,” he said. “The unilateral attacks on Iran, as well as Iran’s attacks on other Middle Eastern nations, must be condemned. Violence begets violence- dialogue and restraint remain the only path to peace.”
The remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions in West Asia, with fears of retaliatory strikes and a broader regional spillover. India has traditionally maintained diplomatic relations with multiple stakeholders in the region, balancing ties with Israel, Iran, and Arab nations, while consistently advocating for de-escalation and dialogue.
Gandhi stressed that India’s foreign policy must remain rooted in established principles. “India must be morally clear. We should have the courage to speak plainly in defence of international law and human lives. Our foreign policy is rooted in sovereignty and the peaceful resolution of disputes — and it must remain consistent,” he said.
In a direct appeal to the government, Gandhi urged the Prime Minister to articulate India’s position. “PM Modi must speak up. Does he support the assassination of a head of state as a way to define the world order? Silence now diminishes India’s standing in the world,” he said.
The statement signals the opposition’s attempt to press the government for clarity amid a volatile international situation that could have diplomatic, economic and security implications for India. The Centre has so far emphasised the need for restraint and dialogue in the region, even as it closely monitors developments affecting Indian nationals abroad.
