Modi’s Israel Visit Draws Criticism as US-Israel Strikes on Iran Escalate

New Delhi – Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel, labeling it a display of “moral cowardice” and a “political betrayal” of India’s longstanding foreign policy principles, as the conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate.

Ramesh Accuses Modi Government of Silence

Ramesh highlighted that over three weeks have passed since the aerial assault on Iran began and 23 days since Modi concluded his visit to Israel. He alleges the Modi government has remained silent and has not initiated any substantial diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions.^{1, 2, 3, 4}

“It has been exactly 21 days or three weeks since the aerial assault of the US and Israel on Iran began. It has as well been 23 days since the PM returned from his much-trumpeted visit to Israel. Has the Modi Govt condemned or criticised or deplored the launch of the heavy aerial assault on Iran by the US and Israel that has now led to severe economic dislocations everywhere including India? The answer is No,” Ramesh stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).^{1, 2}

Questions Raised Regarding Government Response

Ramesh posed a series of questions to the government, asking whether it has condemned the targeted assassinations of Iranian leaders by the US and Israel, the efforts to force regime change in Iran, and the lack of diplomatic initiatives to halt the bombing of Iran and retaliatory attacks on Gulf countries.^{1, 3} He also questioned whether Modi used his relationship with the US President and the Israeli PM to pursue a ceasefire.¹

Answering these questions negatively, Ramesh asserted that the government’s inaction reflects “moral cowardice and political betrayal of India’s civilisational values.”^{1, 3}

Escalation of US Military Campaign

The criticism comes as the US has intensified its military campaign against Iran. US President Donald Trump indicated that Washington is nearing its objectives and may soon wind down its operations.¹ The US Central Command reported significant damage to Iranian military assets under ‘Operation Epic Fury,’ including strikes on drone production facilities and naval infrastructure.¹ Pentagon officials have stated that thousands of targets have been hit in recent operations, signaling an escalation of US military actions.¹

Strategic Implications for India

India, traditionally maintaining a balanced relationship with both Israel and Iran, now faces scrutiny for appearing to openly favor one side at a critical juncture.⁴ Ramesh warned that Modi’s actions could undermine India’s traditional foreign policy of strategic autonomy and non-alignment.⁴

Background: Modi’s Visit to Israel

During his visit to Israel, Prime Minister Modi was conferred with the maiden ‘Speaker of the Knesset Medal’ by Amir Ohana, the Speaker of the Israeli parliament.² Modi and Israeli lawmakers agreed to elevate their relationship to a special strategic partnership, signing 27 agreements in areas including innovation, cultural exchange, manufacturing, and artificial intelligence.¹

¹ Times of India

² Hindustan Times

³ The Telegraph India

⁴ The Statesman