New Delhi, February 26 Congress leader Anand Sharma criticized the government on Thursday over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Israel, stating that India should not be seen as endorsing a regime that has committed genocide in Gaza and caused starvation for thousands of helpless Palestinians.
In a series of posts on X, the former Union minister said Modi's visit to Israel has raised questions and serious concerns among its traditional allies in the region and countries in the global South.
"With Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, as our inspiration, India has consistently commanded universal respect for its commitment to humanity, justice, and equality. India has always, as a policy, opposed terrorism and violence in all its forms," Sharma said.
"We unequivocally condemned the October 7 attack by Hamas and the brutal killing of innocent Israeli civilians."
"Therefore, India should not be seen as endorsing a regime in Israel that has committed genocide in Gaza and caused starvation for thousands of helpless Palestinian civilians, especially children, women, and the elderly, which the UN has denounced as a crime against humanity," the Congress leader said.
Sharma stated that India should firmly stand by its position on the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within secure and defined boundaries.
"As the Chair of BRICS, it is important for India to maintain its credibility as a strong voice of the global South, commanding both respect and trust," the Congress leader said.
His remarks came on the second day of Modi's visit to Israel.
Addressing the Knesset on Wednesday, Modi described the Gaza Peace Initiative as a path towards "just and durable peace" in the region. He also delivered a message of solidarity with Israel, asserting that "terrorism anywhere threatens peace everywhere".
"I also carry with me the deepest condolences of the people of India for every life lost and for every family whose world was shattered by the barbaric terrorist attack by Hamas on October 7 (2023)."
"India stands with Israel, firmly and with full conviction, at this moment and beyond. No cause can justify the murder of civilians. Nothing can justify terrorism," Modi had said.
