Anand Sharma Criticizes Modi’s Israel Visit Over Gaza ‘Genocide’ | India News
India’s Stance on Gaza Conflict Questioned as Modi Concludes Israel Visit
– A visit to Israel by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has drawn criticism from within India, with Congress leader Anand Sharma warning that New Delhi must not appear to endorse what he termed a “genocide in Gaza.” Sharma’s remarks come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory.
Sharma, a former Union Minister, voiced his concerns in a series of posts on X, stating that Modi’s visit raised “questions and serious concerns among its traditional allies in the region and countries of the global South.” He argued that India’s historical commitment to humanity, justice and equality – inspired by Mahatma Gandhi – should guide its foreign policy.
“With Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi as our inspiration, India has throughout commanded universal respect for its commitment to humanity, justice and equality,” Sharma said. “India has always, as a policy, opposed terrorism and violence in all its manifestations.”
While acknowledging India’s condemnation of the October 7th Hamas attack and the killing of Israeli civilians, Sharma cautioned against any perception of support for Israel’s actions in Gaza. He specifically referenced a United Nations designation of the situation as a crime against humanity, stating, “India should not therefore be seen as endorsing a regime in Israel, that has perpetrated genocide in Gaza and forced starvation on thousands of helpless Palestinian civilians, especially children, women and the old, denounced by the UN as a crime against humanity.”
The criticism comes as reports emerge detailing the dire conditions facing Palestinian civilians in Gaza. Madhyamam Online reported that Israel “mercilessly fired 900 rounds at Gazan aid convoy killing 15” on February 26, 2026, further fueling concerns about the escalating violence.
Sharma emphasized the importance of India maintaining its long-held position in favor of establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with secure and defined boundaries. This stance, he argued, is crucial for upholding India’s principles and its standing on the global stage.
The Prime Minister, however, reaffirmed India’s solidarity with Israel during his visit, condemning terrorism on a global scale. The Hindu reported that an agreement was also reached on the use of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in Israel during the visit, signaling a deepening of economic ties between the two nations.
The contrasting viewpoints highlight India’s complex diplomatic balancing act as it navigates the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. The situation presents a challenge for New Delhi, which traditionally maintains close relationships with both sides of the conflict and with nations across the Global South.
The debate over India’s position also comes as other nations grapple with similar dilemmas. Devdiscourse notes that the visit has sparked concerns among India’s traditional allies in the region and countries in the global South, suggesting a wider geopolitical impact.
The Congress leader’s criticism underscores the domestic pressure on the Modi government to articulate a clear and consistent policy that reflects India’s values and its commitment to international law. The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, and India’s response will likely be closely watched by the international community.