Tue Jun 17 17:35:42 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text and a rewritten news article based on it:
**Summary:**
The article reports on the Indian National Congress party’s criticism of the Indian government’s stance on the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, particularly its abstention from a UN vote calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Congress leaders argue that India’s abstention represents a departure from its historical commitment to peace, human rights, and anti-colonial solidarity, isolating India on the international stage. They urge the government to actively work with partners to de-escalate the conflict and act as a moral bridge between the warring parties, leveraging its alliances with both Israel and Iran. They emphasize the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and condemn the perceived silence and inaction of the Indian government in the face of it.
**News Article:**
**Congress Party Slams India’s Stance on Israel-Iran Conflict, Calls for Active Peacemaking**
**New Delhi – June 17, 2025** – The Indian National Congress party has strongly criticized the Modi government’s handling of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, calling for a more proactive role in securing peace in the region. Specifically, the party has condemned India’s abstention from a recent UN vote on a motion for the protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations in Gaza.
“India should work with partners to bring an immediate halt to hostilities, as any escalation can destabilize the entire region,” stated Anand Sharma, head of the Congress’s foreign affairs department. Sharma further criticized the government’s abstention as “indefensible” given India’s legacy of peace and its commitment to Mahatma Gandhi’s principles.
Other Congress leaders echoed Sharma’s concerns. K.C. Venugopal, a member of parliament, argued that India’s stance has left it isolated within multilateral forums like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labelled India’s position “shameful and disappointing,” highlighting the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and accusing the government of remaining silent while the Israeli government attacks Iran. “We are cheering on as his government attacks Iran and assassinates its leadership in flagrant violation of its sovereignty and complete contravention of all international norms,” Ms. Vadra added.
Pawan Khera, head of the party’s media wing, refuted suggestions that regional politics influenced the party’s position. He asserted that the Congress’s stance is rooted in its historical commitment to anti-colonial solidarity, non-alignment, and human rights.
Khera argued that India could leverage its relationship with both Israel and Iran to act as a “moral bridge” between the two nations. “Instead of seeing this moment as a strategic conundrum, India could see it as an opportunity,” he said.
The Congress’s strong criticism highlights a growing debate within India regarding its foreign policy approach to the volatile West Asia region and its role in promoting international peace and security.
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