The Congress party has strongly condemned the Modi government’s policy on Palestine, especially in light of recent developments where Australia, Canada, and the UK recognized Palestine as a state. Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, a key figure in the Congress, called India’s stance shameful and morally cowardly, particularly concerning the last 20 months. She pointed out that India was one of the first countries to recognize Palestine as a state in November 1988. Gandhi stated that India had previously shown leadership by supporting the Palestinian people’s struggle.
Jairam Ramesh, another Congress leader, echoed these sentiments, noting that Australia, Canada, and the UK have recognized Palestine as a state, with expectations of other nations following suit. He underscored India’s formal recognition of Palestine on November 18, 1988. Ramesh criticized the current Indian policy on Palestine, especially considering the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The Congress’s criticism followed the UK Prime Minister’s confirmation that the UK would formally recognize the Palestinian state, despite opposition from the US and Israel. The Congress has also previously condemned the Modi government’s silence regarding the actions of Israel. In August, Priyanka Gandhi accused Israel of committing genocide and criticized the Indian government for its silence while Israel was ‘destroying’ the Palestinian people. This month, India voted in favor of a UN General Assembly resolution supporting the ‘New York Declaration,’ which calls for a peaceful resolution of the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution.