New Delhi, Jun 2 (UNI) Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining silence on Israel's ongoing military operations in Lebanon, alleging that New Delhi's stance could undermine India's interests at a time when crucial negotiations between the United States and Iran are underway to ease tensions in West Asia.
In a post on social media platform X, Ramesh said that continued talks between Washington and Tehran hold significant implications for India, particularly in relation to energy security and global trade routes.
"Negotiations continue between the US and Iran to bring a halt to the war in West Asia. The immediate impact of such an agreement would mean the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz and a downward pressure in oil prices—both of which India has a tremendous stake in," the Congress leader said.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most strategically important maritime passages, is a critical route for global oil shipments. Any easing of regional tensions is expected to stabilize energy markets and benefit major oil-importing nations such as India.
However, Ramesh argued that the negotiations have yet to reach a successful conclusion, blaming the situation in part on Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. He claimed that Israeli operations had intensified with "unprecedented incursions" and were complicating diplomatic efforts aimed at achieving a broader regional settlement.
According to Ramesh, concerns over the offensive have drawn criticism from several countries. Referring to reports of differences between the United States and Israel over the conflict, he said, "President Trump himself has expressed extreme frustration and anger with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in expletive-filled language."
The Congress leader further accused Prime Minister Modi of remaining silent despite the escalating situation. "Many other countries have been condemning Israel's offensive in Lebanon. Not surprisingly the one head of government who has kept completely silent while Israel goes ahead with devastating Lebanon and sabotaging the US-Iran agreement is Prime Minister Narendra Modi," he said.
In a sharp political attack, Ramesh questioned the Prime Minister's priorities, asking, "Does the so-called fatherland mean much more to him than his actual motherland?"
The remarks come amid continuing political debate in India over the government's approach to developments in West Asia. India has traditionally maintained diplomatic relations with both Israel and key Arab nations, while also emphasizing dialogue, regional stability and the protection of its economic and strategic interests, particularly in the energy sector. UNI SKA AAB