Congress Criticises Govt’s Stand on SCO Statement against Israel
The recent statement by the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran has sparked a heated debate in India, with the Congress party leading the charge against the government’s stance. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh took to social media to express his disappointment and frustration with the government’s refusal to participate in the discussions on the SCO statement.
Ramesh’s tweet read, “Have we been reduced to being an abject apologist for Israel? We cannot even condemn Israel’s attacks on and targeted assassinations in Iran?” (1) His outburst is a reflection of the growing discontent among the opposition parties and many Indians who feel that the government’s silence on the issue is unacceptable.
The SCO, a regional security organisation that comprises eight countries including China, Russia, and Pakistan, had issued a statement on June 16, 2023, condemning Israel’s military strikes on Iran. The statement called for restraint and urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid any escalation of the conflict. However, India, which is a member of the SCO, did not participate in the discussion on the statement and instead issued a separate statement that did not explicitly condemn Israel’s actions.
Ramesh’s criticism of the government’s stance is not unfounded. India’s failure to condemn Israel’s attacks on Iran has been seen as a betrayal by many, particularly in the Muslim-majority regions of the country. The government’s silence has been interpreted as a sign of its willingness to align itself with Israel’s interests, despite India’s long-standing relationship with Iran.
The government’s decision to stay away from the SCO statement is also seen as a departure from India’s traditional stance on the issue of Israeli-Palestinian conflict. India has always been a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and has consistently voted in favour of resolutions critical of Israel’s actions at the United Nations.
Ramesh’s criticism has sparked a debate on social media, with many Indians expressing their support for his views. “It’s time for India to stand up for its own principles and values, rather than bowing down to the whims of Israel,” wrote one user on Twitter. Another user tweeted, “India’s silence on Israel’s attacks on Iran is a betrayal of the trust placed in us by the international community.”
However, not everyone agrees with Ramesh’s views. Some have argued that India’s non-participation in the SCO statement was a diplomatic decision aimed at avoiding a confrontation with Israel. “India’s decision to stay away from the SCO statement was a pragmatic move to avoid a rift with Israel, which is an important partner in the region,” said a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.
Despite the controversy, the government has maintained that its decision to stay away from the SCO statement was taken after careful consideration of all the facts. “India has always maintained a balanced approach in its relations with Israel and Iran, and our decision to stay away from the SCO statement was taken in the national interest,” said a government spokesperson.
Ramesh’s criticism of the government’s stance is not the first instance of the Congress party questioning the government’s foreign policy decisions. In recent years, the party has been critical of the government’s handling of various international issues, including its relationship with the United States and China.
The controversy over the SCO statement is likely to continue in the coming days, with both sides presenting their arguments. However, one thing is clear – the government’s silence on the issue has sparked a debate that is unlikely to die down anytime soon.
References:
(1) https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1933870811766493409
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