Congress President Criticizes PM Modi's Handling of Middle East Crisis

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his handling of the Middle East crisis, claiming it undermines India's strategic interests. In a recent social media post, Kharge raised concerns about the government's response to the plight of Indian citizens trapped in the region and highlighted a troubling incident involving an Iranian vessel. He questioned the silence of the government on critical issues, including the humanitarian crisis faced by stranded sailors and the implications for India's energy security. Kharge's remarks underscore the urgent need for a robust response to the ongoing challenges in the Middle East.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 14:58 IST

Kharge's Strong Critique of Modi's Foreign Policy

On Thursday, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge launched a fierce critique against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of grossly violating India's strategic and national interests in his approach to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East. In a detailed post on social media, Kharge raised several questions regarding the government's response to the deteriorating situation in West Asia and the plight of Indian citizens trapped in the region. He emphasized that the Modi administration's actions represent a blatant disregard for India's strategic and national interests.

Kharge highlighted a concerning incident involving an Iranian vessel returning unarmed from the International Fleet Review 2026, which was reportedly damaged by a torpedo in the Indian Ocean region. He pointed out that there was no expression of concern or empathy from the Prime Minister regarding this attack, stating, 'Modi remains silent.'

He further questioned the government's silence on its own policies, asking why they preach about ocean policy and India's role as a 'pure security provider' in the Indian Ocean region while failing to respond to events occurring in their own backyard. Kharge also drew attention to the humanitarian crisis faced by Indian sailors stranded in the Gulf of Hormuz, noting that 38 commercial vessels and 1,100 sailors are currently trapped, with reports of the alleged deaths of two Indian sailors, including Captain Ashish Kumar. He demanded to know why no maritime rescue or relief operations are being conducted.

Additionally, Kharge expressed concerns regarding India's energy security and the implications for trade. He questioned the government's claim that reserves of crude oil and other fuels would last only 25 days, asking what the emergency plan is in light of rising oil prices, especially since the Indian government seems to have nearly accepted the demand to halt imports of Russian oil. He also inquired about the future of trade in essential goods with Gulf countries, referencing a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs dated March 3, 2026, concerning Indian citizens in the Gulf region.