Modi’s Rajya Sabha address on West Asia irrelevant, lacked clarity: Cong

The Congress on Tuesday questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s statement in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with party president Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition (LoP) in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Rajya Sabha member Jairam Ramesh raising concerns over India’s foreign policy stance, stranded vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, and the emerging energy situation.Kharge described the Prime Minister’s 20-minute address in the Upper House as “an exercise in obfuscation” and sought clarity on what he termed as three key issues.

He said the government’s diplomatic posture, particularly after Modi’s recent visit to Israel, appeared to have altered India’s strategic autonomy, which he described as a long-standing pillar of the country’s foreign policy.

Kharge questioned why Parliament had not been taken into confidence on this shift and what steps were being taken to restore the balance.

The Congress chief also flagged the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, saying around 37-40 Indian-flagged ships, with nearly 1,100 sailors on board and cargo valued at about Rs 10,000 crore, remain stranded.

Referring to engagements between Indian leadership and Iran, Kharge questioned why India had not been able to secure safe passage for its vessels while other countries were reportedly being allowed transit.

On energy supplies, Kharge referred to the Prime Minister’s claim that India had diversified its imports from 27 to 41 countries, and sought details on current suppliers of crude oil, LNG and LPG, as well as the quantities involved. He also questioned reports of shortages, price rise and black marketing, asking why these issues were persisting despite diversification.

Kharge said it had been 25 days since the conflict began and warned of a deepening energy crisis. He added that the government should have been better prepared.

Referring to the Prime Minister’s comparison of the current situation to the Covid pandemic, he raised concerns over the potential economic and social impact, including inflation and pressure on key sectors.

Meanwhile, Rahul said that that US President Donald Trump was well aware of the Prime Minister’s limitations. “When the Prime Minister is “compromised”, it is obvious that the country’s foreign policy is also compromised,” Rahul said, adding that the situation was evident to everyone.

He added that PM Modi’s statement in Parliament on the West Asia conflict was irrelevant and lacked clarity. The Prime Minister should firmly outline India’s interests, but currently holds “no clear position”, he said.

Separately, party leader Jairam Ramesh said the Opposition was not allowed to seek clarifications after the Prime Minister’s statement in the Rajya Sabha, similar to what happened the previous day in the Lok Sabha. He described Modi’s address as a prepared text highlighting the government’s achievements over the past 11 years.

Ramesh also questioned the Prime Minister’s remarks on cooperation with states, alleging inconsistencies in the government’s approach to federal issues, welfare measures and schemes linked to the National Food Security Act.