Political backlash has erupted in India after the United States and Israel carried out strikes on Iran that led to the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with opposition leaders targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his government’s foreign policy stance.
Leaders from the Indian National Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party accused the Centre of silence and inconsistency at a time of escalating tensions in West Asia. The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party responded sharply, calling the criticism irresponsible amid a sensitive global crisis.
Jairam Ramesh questions foreign policy
Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh said India’s foreign policy under the “self-styled Vishwaguru” stood “brutally exposed”. In a post on X, he accused the government of remaining silent on key international developments.
India’s foreign policy under the self-styled Vishwaguru stands brutally exposed, notwithstanding all the grandstanding on it by the cheerleaders of the PM, led by himself.1. The US President continues his romance with Pakistan, applauding again and again the very man whose… — Jairam Ramesh (@Jairam_Ramesh) March 1, 2026
Ramesh referred to US claims about halting Operation Sindoor in May 2025 and said the initial announcement was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. He also questioned the timing of the Prime Minister’s recent Israel visit, suggesting it took place despite indications of a possible US-Israel strike on Iran.
Priyanka Gandhi calls killing ‘despicable’
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described Khamenei’s killing as “despicable”.
In a post on X, she wrote, “The targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the so-called leaders of the democratic world and the killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is.”
The targetted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation by the so called leaders of the democratic world and the killing of multitudes of innocent people is despicable and deserves strong condemnation, no matter what the proclaimed reason for it is. It is tragic that… — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) March 1, 2026
She said the conflict risks drawing more nations into war and stressed that the world needs peace, not escalation. Citing a quote attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, she wrote, “An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind.” She also urged the Prime Minister to prioritise the safe return of Indian citizens from affected regions.
AAP seeks clarity
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh termed Khamenei’s death the end of an era and pointed to India’s longstanding ties with Iran.
In his post, he questioned why the Prime Minister had not issued a condolence message and accused him of remaining silent because the strike was carried out by the United States.
BJP hits back
The BJP rejected the opposition’s criticism, accusing Congress of making “negative comments” during a delicate international situation. Party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said such remarks were irresponsible and not in the national interest.
The party also dismissed suggestions linking the Prime Minister’s Israel visit to the timing of the strikes, calling the claims baseless and politically motivated.
Government calls for restraint
India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded to the US-Israel strikes by urging restraint. “India is deeply concerned at the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region. We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians,” the MEA said in a statement.
On the safety of Indian nationals in the region, the ministry said Indian missions were in touch with citizens and had issued advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay connected with embassies and follow local security guidance.
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