Congress targets PM Modi over silence on Israeli offensive in Lebanon

Congress President Jairam Ramesh. File | Photo credit: The Hindu

Congress on Tuesday (Jun 2, 2026) accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of maintaining “absolute silence” on Israel’s military offensive in Lebanon, even as Israeli aggression undermines efforts to secure a US-Iran deal aimed at ending hostilities in West Asia.

Congress general secretary in charge of communications Jairam Ramesh said the talks between the US and Iran to end the conflict had significant implications for India.

In a post on X, Mr Ramesh said a successful deal would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and put downward pressure on global oil prices, both of which were of “huge interest” to India.

He claimed the talks had not been completed largely because of ongoing Israeli military operations in Lebanon, which he said included unprecedented incursions.

Mr. Ramesh also cited reports that US President Donald Trump had frustrated insults at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, persuading him to call off a planned strike on Beirut.

“Many other countries condemn Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. No wonder the only head of government who has remained completely silent while Israel continues to devastate Lebanon and sabotage the US-Iran deal is Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Ramesh said.

He winked at the prime minister and asked, “Does the so-called homeland mean much more to him than his real homeland?”

Published – June 2, 2026 10:40 AM IST