‘Israel Is A Proven Friend But…’: Shashi Tharoor Endorses Sonia Gandhi’s Palestine Op-Ed

Last Updated:September 25, 2025, 15:47 IST

Sonia Gandhi had accused the Modi government of maintaining a “profound silence” on the Palestine crisis and abandoning India’s commitment to human rights and justice.

Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. (PTI)

Congress leader Shashi Tharoor lauded the party’s Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi over her article questioning the Indian government’s “profound silence” on the Palestine crisis and accusing the Centre of abandoning the government’s commitment to human rights.

In her article titled ‘India’s muted voice, its detachment with Palestine’ in The Hindu, Sonia Gandhi underscored that India had long maintained a delicate but principled position on Palestine, emphasising its commitment to peace and the protection of human rights and maintaining diplomatic relations with Israel at the same time.

However, she said India has all but relinquished that role in the aftermath of the “inhumane” Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. “The Modi government’s response has been characterised by a profound silence and an abdication of both humanity and morality. Its actions appear to be driven primarily by the personal friendship between the Israeli premier and Mr Modi, rather than India’s constitutional values or its strategic interests,” she added.

Lauding the article, Tharoor urged India to live up to its moral convictions on Palestine. “As a well-wisher of Israel myself, and one who strongly defends its right to live in security & to repel terrorists, I agree with her view that India’s ethical and civilisational heritage demands that we stand up for justice for the innocent victims of the unfolding horror in Gaza,” he said.

“Israel is a proven friend of India. But as a friend, we must tell them the truth: this carnage has already gone too far for too long. Israel must stop its merciless campaign,” he added.

In her article, Sonia Gandhi also said the Centre’s current diplomatic strategy regarding the Israel-Palestine conflict cannot be the guiding compass of India’s foreign policy. “India’s standing on the world stage cannot be wrapped up into the personal glory-seeking ways of one individual, nor can it rest on its historical laurels. It demands persistent courage and a sense of historical continuity,” she asserted.

She also lauded European countries for recognising a Palestinian state and criticised the Modi government for inviting far-right Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has been globally condemned for repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank and advocating for the complete takeover of Gaza.

“Most fundamentally, India must not approach the issue of Palestine as merely a matter of foreign policy bit as a test of India’s ethical and civilisational heritage,” she said. “India needs to demonstrate leadership on the issue of Palestine, which is now a battle for justice, identity, dignity and human rights.”

India has long advocated for a two-state solution to the Palestinian crisis. The remarks came as Israel has come under global pressure to halt its military offensive in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 65,000 Palestinians and triggered a humanitarian crisis in the territory.

About the Author

Aveek Banerjee

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international…Read More

Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master’s in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in international… Read More

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