Congress Questions PM Modi's Silence Over Indian Sailors' Deaths in US Strikes
The Congress party has escalated its attack on Prime Minister Modi regarding the deaths of three Indian sailors in US military strikes off the Oman coast. The opposition demands accountability, criticizing the government's silence and handling of this foreign policy crisis.
Highlights
- •Congress leaders are demanding accountability for the deaths of three Indian seafarers in US-led military operations.
- •External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has formally protested the US military's actions against commercial shipping.
- •The opposition has accused Prime Minister Modi of remaining silent and failing to defend Indian national interests.
- •Efforts are underway by the Indian Embassy in Muscat to repatriate the body of sailor Nishanth Uirthanathan.
The Congress party has intensified its criticism against Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the tragic deaths of three Indian seafarers during US military strikes on commercial vessels near the Oman coast. This incident has sparked a heated debate over the government's perceived silence and its ability to defend national interests on the global stage. The Congress leadership argues that the administration has failed to provide a robust response to the loss of Indian lives in these international waters.
Rahul Gandhi, acting as the Leader of Opposition, issued a sharp critique via social media, questioning why the Prime Minister has refrained from addressing the situation. The controversy grew after the United States issued stern warnings against violations of its naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz and the transport of Iranian oil. Rahul Gandhi characterized the government's stance as inadequate, suggesting that the administration is failing to uphold national dignity and the safety of its citizens.
Strained Relations and National Sovereignty Concerns
The diplomatic friction intensified following statements from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. The United States reiterated that all commercial shipping must adhere strictly to its military directives in the region. New Delhi has formally registered its protest against the deaths of the seafarers, with S. Jaishankar describing the US military action against commercial vessels as entirely unjustified. Furthermore, the US Charge d'Affaires Jason Meeks was summoned to the ministry to convey India’s strong objections.
A primary point of contention involves the death of an Indian sailor, Nishanth Uirthanathan, who succumbed to medical complications while his vessel, the MT Celestial, was docked at Duqm Port in Oman. The Congress has urged the government to prioritize and expedite the repatriation of his remains. The Indian Embassy in Muscat has confirmed that efforts are actively underway to facilitate the return of the sailor's body to India.
The party's leadership, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, has emphasized that Indian lives should never be viewed as secondary in the context of foreign policy. Additionally, Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra labeled the government's official response as shameful, asserting that India must clearly demonstrate to the United States that it is a sovereign nation capable of protecting its own interests. The ongoing situation remains a critical point of concern for both national policy and diplomatic relations.
