Congress questions government’s stance as Centre highlights diplomatic efforts
March 24, 2026: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his handling of the West Asia conflict, alleging that India has been sidelined in global negotiations. He described the country’s foreign policy as overly personalised and claimed it has weakened India’s global standing. Gandhi also raised concerns over reports of Pakistan potentially facilitating talks between Iran and the United States, calling the situation a “universal joke” and questioning the Prime Minister’s autonomy on the global stage.
Taking his criticism further, Gandhi referred to former US President Donald Trump, alleging that global leaders are aware of India’s limited negotiating position. He also criticised the Prime Minister’s recent Lok Sabha speech as lacking clarity and direction. Linking the international crisis to domestic concerns, the Congress leader warned that rising tensions could impact essential commodities like LPG, petrol, and fertilisers, potentially affecting ordinary citizens. He further accused the government of failing to learn from past crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, addressing Parliament, Modi described the West Asia situation as “worrisome,” highlighting its economic, security, and humanitarian implications for India. He stressed the country’s dependence on the region for energy supplies and reiterated India’s push for de-escalation through diplomatic channels. The Prime Minister also condemned attacks on civilians and disruptions to key trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Amid speculation over possible US-Iran talks, the White House dismissed reports of any confirmed meetings, stating that sensitive diplomatic developments would only be announced officially.