“Not Silence, But Statesmanship: A Rebuttal to Sonia Gandhi’s Editorial on India’s Iran Policy”, My Ind Maker, March 04, 2026
“Sonia Gandhi, in Indian Express editorial, has accused the Government of India of “abdication” and “silence” over the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader. The charge is dramatic and morally loaded. But foreign policy cannot be assessed through rhetorical intensity. It must be judged through facts, context, and strategic consequence.
The allegation of silence collapses as soon as one examines the Prime Minister’s actions during this Middle East crisis. Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged directly and swiftly with leaders across West Asia. He spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan, conveying India’s deep concern about the evolving situation, reaffirming support for peace, security, and the well-being of the Jordanian people, and expressing gratitude for the protection afforded to the Indian community. He discussed the situation in detail with the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, HRH Mohammed bin Salman, explicitly condemning attacks on Saudi Arabia that violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity and stressing the urgent need to restore regional peace and stability. He held a productive conversation with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain, condemning attacks on Bahrain and expressing solidarity in difficult times. He spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, conveying India’s concerns over recent developments, emphasising the safety of civilians, and reiterating the need for an early cessation of hostilities. He also spoke with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, strongly condemning the attacks on the UAE, condoling the loss of lives, and standing firmly in solidarity, while thanking him for safeguarding the Indian community. This is not silence; this is calibrated, multi-directional diplomacy in real time.
The editorial also omits a crucial regional reality. Iran has not been a passive actor. Missile strikes have targeted multiple Arab nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia, widening instability across the region. India cannot ignore attacks on sovereign Gulf states, particularly when nearly ten million Indians live and work across West Asia, when India’s energy security is deeply tied to the region, when remittances form a vital economic artery, and when maritime stability directly affects global trade routes. Any responsible government must factor these realities into its response…….”
Read full article at myind.net
