Jaipur, March 5 (NationPress) Senior Congress figure Sachin Pilot expressed alarm regarding multiple critical issues including the Iran–Israel conflict, Nitish Kumar's transition to the Rajya Sabha, and the plight of Indians stranded in Gulf countries amidst ongoing tensions in West Asia. He criticized the Indian government's, particularly the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of External Affairs, lack of response concerning the recent attack on an Iranian vessel close to India's coast, labeling it a significant concern.

He stated, “The US's assault and the sinking of a ship near our shores are alarming matters. It is imperative for our government and our nation to adopt a definitive stance on this issue, especially as the conflict unfolds elsewhere. If such unilateral actions occur within our sphere of influence for any reason, it could jeopardize India's territorial integrity and its reputation for neutrality.

“I firmly believe that remaining silent and failing to articulate our position is misguided. India has consistently stood for righteousness and justice. However, the ongoing silence from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence is evident to the global community and detrimental to our national interests,” he continued.

“In relation to the Israel-Palestine situation, India has historically advocated for a two-nation solution. Whether engaging with Iran, Afghanistan, Europe, or Russia, India's diplomatic relations with these states are longstanding, steeped in cultural and historical ties. We must not stray from our diplomatic principles, national interests, or our long-held tradition of impartiality,” he remarked.

“Our country has seen various administrations throughout the years, with numerous Prime Ministers emerging from both Congress and non-Congress factions. Yet, this is the first government where I sense it is being pressured from one side or another.

“Initially, Trump imposed a deal requiring us to accept American products at zero tariffs while we pay 18 percent. We are prohibited from purchasing oil from Russia. We are committed to procuring goods worth $500 billion from them. These terms are one-sided, and we have accepted them without objection.

“Farmers nationwide are currently protesting. The entire party and society recognize an impending crisis. A crisis is on the horizon for farmers, dairy producers, cotton growers, soybean cultivators, and corn farmers,” Pilot elaborated.

He questioned the rationale behind these developments and emphasized that the government's ongoing silence regarding the destruction of the Iranian ship is not in India's best interest.

“We observe that even European nations, which are significantly smaller than us, are standing up to declare what is right and what is wrong. I believe the ship involved has been lost. And how close was it to India? That vessel was positioned to engage in our military operations. At some stage, we must take a stand and assert what is right and wrong. The persistent silence from the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Defence is noted globally and is not advantageous for our national interests,” he remarked.

Addressing the Bihar Chief Minister's decision to move to the Rajya Sabha, Pilot stated, “We are perplexed as to why he contested the Assembly elections based on his own merit, secured votes, and was elected by the public, only to now withdraw.”

He questioned the pressures behind Nitish Kumar's actions and whether they were voluntary or a suppression of his own desires.

“We are uncertain. Nitish Kumar has frequently altered his stance, sometimes aligning with one side and occasionally with another. Rumors suggest he is heading to Delhi. What will transpire in Bihar now? I cannot predict whether the BJP will gain power by exerting pressure on him. However, what is occurring seems to be misleading the public. Had he stated six months ago his intention to run for the Rajya Sabha, the results of the Bihar elections might have been different,” Pilot asserted.

Reflecting on the issue of Indians stuck in Gulf nations due to the conflict in West Asia, he remarked, “I believe the Indian government must exhaust all avenues. If even one of our citizens is stranded abroad in those Gulf nations, it is our duty to ensure their safe return. Our relations are amicable, and we harbor no animosity. Our citizens, many from Rajasthan, are caught in various countries, and we are receiving distressing messages from them. I hope the Ministry of External Affairs and the government act swiftly, as the safety of our citizens should be our utmost priority. Other nations are chartering flights and repatriating their citizens. We must allocate as many resources as possible immediately to ensure their safe return.”