Sonia Gandhi on Tuesday sharply criticised the Government of India for its silence over the targeted assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, terming it an abdication rather than neutrality. In an article published in The Indian Express, the Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson questioned the direction and credibility of India’s foreign policy.

She argued that the killing of a sitting head of state without a formal declaration of war, allegedly carried out by the United States and Israel, marked a grave rupture in international relations and violated principles enshrined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter. Gandhi contended that India’s failure to clearly condemn the act weakens its moral authority and strategic standing, especially among Global South nations and BRICS partners.

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel and support for the government of Benjamin Netanyahu, she said India’s stance signals tacit endorsement and departs from its traditional commitment to sovereignty and peaceful dispute resolution under Article 51 of the Constitution.

Gandhi urged that when Parliament reconvenes for the Budget session, the issue must be debated openly, stressing that democratic accountability and strategic clarity demand a clear articulation of India’s position amid escalating instability in West Asia.