New Delhi – The Indian National Congress on Thursday sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address to the Israeli Knesset, asserting it represented an “unabashed defence of his host,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and ultimately diminished India’s standing on the world stage. The rebuke centers on what the Congress party views as a departure from India’s historically balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and a perceived alignment with a leader facing international scrutiny.
The criticism comes a day after Prime Minister Modi addressed the Knesset, expressing solidarity with Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks and describing terrorism as a threat to global peace. He likewise offered condolences for the lives lost. “India stands with Israel, firmly, with full conviction, in this moment, and beyond,” Mr. Modi stated during his address, as reported by The Hindu. However, the Congress party argues the tone and substance of the speech signaled a significant shift in India’s foreign policy.
Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of Communications, led the charge, highlighting historical context and questioning the timing of the visit and the Prime Minister’s remarks. He took to X (formerly Twitter) to draw attention to the long-standing relationship between India and Israel, but also to contrast the current approach with that of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.
Nehru’s Legacy and Historical Ties
Ramesh specifically cited a letter from Albert Einstein to Nehru on June 13, 1947, regarding the creation of Israel, and Nehru’s response a month later. He shared details of this correspondence, noting that on November 5, 1949, Nehru met with Einstein at his home in Princeton. Further, Ramesh pointed out that in November 1952, Einstein was offered the Presidency of Israel, an offer he declined, and that the two leaders exchanged letters on nuclear weapons shortly before Einstein’s death in April 1955.
In his July 11, 1947, reply to Einstein, Nehru wrote, “I confess that even as I have a very great deal of sympathy for the Jews, I experience sympathy for the Arabs also in their predicament.” He continued, “Unless men are big enough on either side, which is just and generally agreeable to the parties concerned, I see no effective solution for the present.” Ramesh’s sharing of this historical exchange appears intended to underscore a perceived difference between Nehru’s nuanced approach and Modi’s more overt support for Israel.
Eitay Mack is a well-known Israeli lawyer and courageous human rights activist. He has exposed the sham of the Prime Minister’s much heralded( in the godi media) address to the Knesset yesterday that diminished India’s moral standing https://t.co/f0RnKkGQ6v
— Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) February 26, 2026
Criticism of Modi’s Remarks and ‘Moral Cowardice’
The Congress party’s criticism extends beyond the historical context. Ramesh characterized Modi’s address as an “unabashed defence of his host,” suggesting it prioritized diplomatic alignment over a principled stance on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. This sentiment echoes earlier statements from Ramesh, reported by ANI News, where he accused the Prime Minister of displaying “moral cowardice” by visiting Israel while the world is critical of Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza.
Further amplifying the criticism, Ramesh cited Israeli lawyer and human rights activist Eitay Mack, whose analysis reportedly exposed what he termed a “sham” in Modi’s Knesset address. Mack’s critique, shared by Ramesh, suggests the speech was overly deferential to Netanyahu and failed to adequately address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
India’s Historical Position on Palestine
The Congress party’s concerns stem from a long-held commitment to the Palestinian cause. Historically, India has maintained a balanced position, recognizing the state of Palestine in 1988 and offering support through various means, including a commemorative postage stamp issued in 1981, as noted in the ANI News report. Nehru’s visit to Gaza in 1960 to meet with the Indian contingent of the UN Emergency Force further underscores this historical connection.
The shift in tone, as perceived by the Congress party, raises questions about the future of India’s foreign policy in the region and its commitment to a two-state solution. The party’s vocal criticism reflects a broader concern that Modi’s government is prioritizing strategic partnerships over long-held principles of non-alignment and support for the Palestinian people.
The debate over Prime Minister Modi’s address to the Knesset is likely to continue, with the Congress party signaling its intention to hold the government accountable for what it views as a detrimental shift in India’s foreign policy. The next key development will be the government’s response to these criticisms and any potential adjustments to its approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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