Source The Hindu
NEW DELHI — Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, accusing the government of adopting a submissive posture toward the United States following a severe maritime crisis in the Gulf region.
The political confrontation erupted after the United States issued strict warnings regarding its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, which closely followed the tragic deaths of three Indian sailors in American military actions off the coast of Oman.
The Catalyst: Naval Blockade and Sailor Tragedies
The diplomatic friction peaked after U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly conveyed a firm message to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Washington made it clear that any violation of its blockade or the illicit transport of Iranian oil would “not be tolerated,” demanding that commercial vessels immediately comply with U.S. military instructions.
This stern directive came just days after a series of U.S. strikes on foreign-flagged merchant ships carrying Indian crew members, including the oil tankers Settebello and Marivex, resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers.
“Compromised PM”: Gandhi Condemns Government Silence
Expressing his outrage in a social media post written in Hindi on X, Rahul Gandhi strongly questioned why the Indian government was tolerating such aggressive language from an international ally.
“Just days after three Indian sailors were killed in American attacks, there is neither regret nor apology. On the contrary, the U.S. continues to issue orders,” Gandhi stated.
The Congress leader criticized the language used by U.S. officials and targeted the Prime Minister’s handling of the situation.
On National Sovereignty: “Read their words: ‘Obey U.S. military orders immediately.’ No violation ‘will be tolerated.’ A sovereign nation would never tolerate such language.”
On the Prime Minister’s Response: Gandhi alleged that the Prime Minister was acting like an “obedient servant” who merely complies with external orders.
On Defending India’s Honor: “A compromised PM will not defend the nation’s honor because he is beholden to those who insult the country.”
Escalating Diplomatic and Political Friction
The Congress party has amplified its offensive, demanding total accountability and the immediate return of the deceased sailors’ mortal remains. The opposition argued that the Prime Minister’s celebrated personal rapport with the U.S. administration has failed to safeguard Indian lives and national interests in international waters.
While the political row intensifies at home, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has taken formal diplomatic steps, summoning U.S. Charge d’Affaires Jason Meeks to lodge a strong protest. India has officially stated that the continuing attacks on commercial shipping in the region are “deeply worrisome” and called for immediate dialogue and diplomacy to restore stability.
