Have We Been Reduced To Being An Abject Apologist For Israel?: Congress’s Jairam Ramesh
New Delhi, 14 June 2025 – Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh has sharply criticised the Indian government’s stance on the recent Israel-Iran conflict, accusing it of acting as an “abject apologist” for Israel. His remarks, posted on X, came in response to a Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) statement distancing India from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemnation of Israel’s military strikes on Iran on 13 June 2025. Ramesh questioned whether India’s position implies that Israel can attack Iran while urging Tehran to exercise restraint, lamenting the government’s failure to explicitly condemn Israel’s actions, including targeted assassinations.
The MEA clarified that India did not participate in discussions leading to the SCO’s statement, which strongly denounced Israel’s strikes as a “gross violation” of international law and Iran’s sovereignty.
The SCO, comprising nations like China, Russia, and India, expressed concern over escalating tensions, condemned attacks on civilian infrastructure, and extended condolences to Iran for civilian casualties. The organisation advocated resolving Iran’s nuclear programme disputes through diplomacy, reaffirming its commitment to global peace.
India’s position, articulated on 13 June, emphasised de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscored the need for peace and stability. The MEA noted that External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar discussed the issue with his Iranian counterpart, urging restraint. India’s neutrality reflects its delicate balancing act, given its robust ties with Israel—strengthened by defence and tech cooperation—and economic links with Iran, notably through the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor.
Ramesh’s critique highlights domestic political tensions.
The Congress has historically supported Palestinian causes, as seen in its 2023 condemnation of Hamas attacks while advocating for a two-state solution. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in contrast, has leaned towards Israel, with Modi’s government fostering closer ties since 2014. The recent controversy over an inaccurate map posted by the Israel Defence Forces, omitting Jammu and Kashmir, further fuelled Congress’s ire, with leader Pawan Khera calling it a diplomatic embarrassment.
As tensions persist, with Iran launching retaliatory drone strikes on Israel, India faces pressure to protect its 18,000-20,000 citizens in Israel and 10,700 in Iran.
SCO statement:
“The member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) express serious concern over the escalating tensions in the Middle East and strongly condemn the military strikes carried out by Israel on the territory of the Islamic Republic of Iran on June 13, 2025.
Such aggressive actions against civilian targets, including energy and transport infrastructure, which have resulted in civilian casualties, are a gross violation of international law and the United Nations Charter. They constitute an infringement on Iran’s sovereignty, cause damage to regional and international security, and pose serious risks to global peace and stability.
The SCO member states firmly advocate for the resolution of the situation surrounding Iran’s nuclear program exclusively through peaceful, political, and diplomatic means.
The SCO member states extend their sincere condolences to the people and government of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The SCO member states, strictly adhering to the principles and norms of the UN Charter and the SCO Charter, consider any unlawful actions directed against SCO member states unacceptable and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to strengthening international peace and security.”
Ministry of External Affairs statement:
“The SCO has issued a statement on recent developments between Israel and Iran.
India’s own position on the matter had been articulated by us on 13 June 2025, and remains the same. We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.
The External Affairs Minister too discussed this matter with his Iranian counterpart yesterday and conveyed the deep concern of the international community at the turn of events. He also urged the avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy.
The overall position of India as stated above was communicated to other SCO members. Keeping that in mind, India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement.”
