Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of remaining on the sidelines as Pakistan emerged as a mediator in efforts to resolve the Iran conflict. He argued that India had lost a major opportunity to use its relationships with both Iran and the US to play a significant role in ending the prolonged war.
Speaking at the Rachnatmak Congress National Convention, Rahul Gandhi criticised the government’s foreign policy and claimed India had failed to make effective use of its ties with Iran and the US to contribute meaningfully to efforts aimed at ending the conflict.
“On one side, the Iran war is happening. If India understood its own strength, and if we had a strong leader like Indira Gandhi, this would have been the biggest opportunity in the world for India. Then, what happened? Pakistan became the mediator, while India and Modi ji just watched from the sidelines. How did this happen?” he said.
The Leader of Opposition said Iran had historically been a friend of India, while Russia and the US were also partners, arguing that New Delhi could have leveraged these relationships to increase its diplomatic relevance.
“Iran is our old friend, and Russia and America are our friends. Let us become relevant and be friends... But Pakistan took our place,” he said.
The Iran-US conflict began on February 28 after the US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, triggering a wider regional crisis and disrupting shipping through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. After months of hostilities, Washington and Tehran reached a temporary ceasefire in April, with Pakistan playing a significant role in mediation.
Attempts to revive the ceasefire have since stalled, with Iran and the US remaining divided over issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and sanctions.
India has not directly participated in the conflict or served as a formal mediator. New Delhi has maintained diplomatic communication with both sides and repeatedly advocated dialogue and de-escalation. India also has significant economic and energy interests in the region, including the safety of the Strait of Hormuz, Indian citizens and shipping.
RAHUL GANDHI RAISES CHINA BORDER ISSUE
Rahul Gandhi also criticised the government’s handling of the China border situation, alleging that Chinese forces had prevented Indian troops from patrolling certain areas of Arunachal Pradesh.
“I receive information directly from Modi ji's office these days; there is a full-blown revolt going on inside,” he said before alleging that China had stopped Indian troops from conducting patrols in parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
He claimed Prime Minister Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Home Minister Amit Shah had been “completely deflated” and were attempting to stop the media from reporting on the developments.
Rahul Gandhi also referred to the Galwan clash and Prime Minister Modi’s earlier assertion that no Indian territory had been lost.
“The Army said that our land had been taken. Just think about the message sent to China: Chinese negotiators asked our negotiators, ‘What nonsense are you talking about? Your own Prime Minister said no land was lost,’” he said.
The Raebareli MP alleged that the government’s handling of the issue had weakened India’s foreign policy.
“So, internally, they have destroyed the country; they have wrecked our foreign policy,” he said.
'PM MODI CAN'T SLEEP AT NIGHT'
Rahul Gandhi also took a swipe at Prime Minister Modi while discussing the broader political confrontation between the Opposition and the government.
“Our job is very simple, and we can drive them crazy. I'm telling you, Narendra Modi does not sleep at night. There are different reasons. There is an obvious reason, and there are many hidden reasons too,” he said.
He also questioned Home Minister Amit Shah’s absence from Parliament, referring to the near-washout of the Monsoon Session.
“You saw Amit Shah, the so-called Chanakya. Where has he disappeared? He couldn't come to Parliament for 20 days. Why?” Gandhi said.
He claimed the government had recognised that people were becoming increasingly vocal and said the Opposition would continue to challenge it.
RAHUL GANDHI ATTACKS RSS
The Leader of Opposition also alleged that the RSS had come under the influence of big business and had been “captured” by large capital.
“The RSS has been utilised by large capital. Mr Ambani and Mr Adani have captured RSS. RSS has ceased to exist now. Today, RSS is an instrument of Mr Adani,” Gandhi alleged.
He further claimed that the RSS’s traditional support base among small traders had been negatively affected by policies such as demonetisation and the Goods and Services Tax (GST). According to him, the organisation subsequently became increasingly aligned with big businesses.
“The real fight is between those who want to order others and those who want to express themselves,” he said, referring to recent student protests across the country.
