Congress targets PM Modi’s Israel visit amid US-Israel strikes on Iran

Senior Indian National Congress leader Jairam Ramesh Feb 28 criticized Prime Minister Modi’s two-day visit to Israel, calling it “shameful” in the context of joint US-Israel strikes on Iran that followed immediately after his trip.

Ramesh said military action was “fully expected” given the buildup in the region and accused the prime minister of showing “the highest moral cowardice” by proceeding with the visit despite escalating tensions.

In a post on X, the Congress leader highlighted that the United States and Israel began their joint assault on Iran only two days after Modi’s visit, and criticised the prime minister for publicly declaring that India stood with Israel and accepting an award there.

Ramesh’s comments underscored opposition concern that India’s diplomatic stance may appear aligned with two nations now in active military confrontation with a significant regional player.

Opposition voices have also questioned why the visit was not used as a platform to call for de-escalation in the region or to urge dialogue between Tehran and Washington, rather than deepen diplomatic ties.

Some critics argue that the timing of the visit risks undermining India’s traditional balancing in West Asian diplomacy and sending mixed signals at a moment of escalating conflict.

The Congress’s criticism comes against a backdrop of heightened geopolitical tensions after coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on Iranian targets, which have triggered wider regional instability fears and raised questions about the future of West Asian diplomacy.