Foreign policy needs immediate “course correction”, says Congress

NEW DELHI: Citing serious “drift in foreign policy that requires immediate introspection and course correction”, Congress on Thursday claimed the “fundamental departures” from traditional positions has cost the country its “moral authority” and leadership of the developing countries.

It said the Modi govt’s refusal to vote for a ceasefire in Gaza in the united nations general assembly is symptomatic of the chaotic choices being made against the national consensus which has underpinned its foreign policy since Independence. Congress also demanded a discussion on the foreign policy in the monsoon session of Parliament.

Former union minister Anand Sharma said India’s silence on Gaza is unacceptable and has shocked its traditional partners that look up to the country. India had taken a position after the Hamas attacks in Oct 2023, but what is happening now in Gaza is “genocide”. Since India has relations with both Israel and Palestine, it should speak out to put an end to the killings, he said.

Talking about India’s absention during the UNGA vote on Gaza ceasefire, Sharma said, “India did not take a position for peace. This diminished India’s credibility as a leader of the global south. Because all the countries of the global south voted for the resolution. How can the leader not be with them?”

He urged the govt to prevail upon its strategic partners to work for restoration of peace in Gaza.

Sharma also sought a discussion on foreign policy in the monsoon session of Parliament, adding that every democratic country has such discussions in the interests of consensus and transparency.

The neighbourhood policy is equally important, he said, urging the govt to ensure that the neighbourhood policy is not influenced by its domestic “partisan” agenda.