Congress Slams Modi Government Over UN Gaza Ceasefire Abstention, Alleges Foreign Policy in "Shambles"

 June 14, 2025, India – The Indian National Congress today launched a scathing attack on the Narendra Modi-led government, criticizing its decision to abstain from voting on a United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. The opposition party alleged that this stance has left India's foreign policy in "shambles" and isolated the nation on the global stage.

The UNGA resolution, which demanded an "immediate, unconditional and permanent" ceasefire in Gaza, along with the release of all hostages and the resumption of humanitarian aid, was overwhelmingly backed by 149 countries. India was among the 19 nations that chose to abstain, while 12 countries voted against it.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge took to social media to express his strong disapproval, stating, "It is now increasingly evident that our Foreign Policy is in shambles. Perhaps, PM Modi must now take a call on his EAM's [External Affairs Minister's] repeated blunders and set some accountability." He added that India "virtually stood isolated by this step."

Kharge questioned whether India had "abandoned India's consistent stand advocating for a ceasefire, peace, and dialogue in the Middle East and West Asia?" He emphasized that this long-standing stance was "deeply rooted in our long-standing tradition of Non-Alignment and moral diplomacy, through which India has always championed justice and peace in international conflicts."

echoing the party's sentiment, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal highlighted India's unique position, stating, "India has always stood for peace, justice, and human dignity. But today, India stands alone as the only country in South Asia, BRICS, and SCO to abstain on a UNGA resolution demanding a ceasefire in Gaza." He further pointed to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, with "60,000 killed. Most of them women and children. Thousands starving." Venugopal urged the Ministry of External Affairs to explain what had changed in the last six months that led India from supporting a ceasefire to abstaining.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, another Congress General Secretary, termed India's abstention as "shameful and disappointing," calling it a "tragic reversal of our anti-colonial legacy." She lamented that India was "refusing to take a stand" even as "an entire population is being confined and starved to death."

The Congress's criticism underscores a broader debate about India's evolving foreign policy, particularly concerning the Israel-Palestine conflict. Historically, India has maintained a strong pro-Palestine stance, rooted in its anti-colonial past and non-aligned principles. While India has in recent decades developed robust strategic ties with Israel, it has also consistently reiterated its support for a two-state solution.

The government, while not providing a detailed explanation for its abstention on this particular vote, has generally maintained that its approach is based on a balanced view, calling for de-escalation, protection of civilians, and a negotiated two-state solution. However, the opposition's strong reaction indicates a significant divergence in how India's diplomatic actions are being perceived both domestically and internationally.