Is Foreign Policy in Shambles? Congress Supports Priyanka Gandhi's Critique of the Centre's Palestine Stance

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Congress leaders back Priyanka Gandhi's criticism.
- India's foreign policy towards Palestine has come under fire.
- Questions raised about India's diplomatic integrity and history.
- Concerns about India's credibility on the global stage.
- Calls for accountability from the government.
New Delhi, Sep 22 (NationPress) Congress officials on Monday expressed their solidarity with Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi following her condemnation of India’s foreign policy regarding Palestine, labeling it as “shameful” and lacking moral courage.
In a post on X over the weekend, Priyanka Gandhi accused the NDA administration of forsaking India’s longstanding position on Palestine during the last 20 months. She recalled that India was among the first countries to recognize Palestine back in November 1988.
“Throughout the brave struggle of the Palestinian people, we set an example by championing what was just and maintaining the principles of humanity and justice on the global stage,” Priyanka Gandhi asserted.
“Now, our policy towards Palestine has been nothing short of shameful and lacking in moral integrity. It represents a regrettable decline from a once-bold position,” she added.
Congress MP Imran Masood voiced his agreement with Priyanka Gandhi’s critique of the Centre, claiming that India’s diplomatic standing has significantly weakened.
In dialogue with IANS, he remarked, “The foreign policy is indeed shameful. Following the deal between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, it is embarrassing that India failed to support its friends; it had to revert to a previous stance of supporting Palestine. While BJP leaders chant pro-Israel slogans here, they must realize that Israel will not stand by us. Our entire foreign policy has crumbled.”
Congress MP Manoj Kumar also defended Priyanka Gandhi’s comments, pressing for answers from the Centre regarding its silence.
“The government owes an explanation as to why we remained silent for 20 months. While the entire nation rallied behind Palestine, why was India absent for such an extended period? Priyanka Gandhi has raised an important issue,” he stated to IANS.
Senior Congress figure Udit Raj went further, claiming that India’s credibility on the international front has deteriorated.
In response to Priyanka Gandhi’s remarks, he said, “India’s foreign policy is virtually non-existent. Trust in India has diminished. Since the defense agreement between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, it is reasonable to conclude that our foreign policy is defunct.”
He continued, asserting that Priyanka Gandhi’s statement echoed India’s original position on Palestine and criticized the NDA government for compromising the nation’s global standing.
“What Priyanka Gandhi articulated is entirely correct. We are not stakeholders at all. If we cannot resolve our internal challenges, how can we be effective on the world stage? The nation’s situation is dire, and our foreign policy is in ruins. Priyanka Gandhi has accurately expressed what was once India’s stance on Palestine,” Raj concluded.