{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/Pages/india/Politics / Foreign Policy/sonia-gandhi-slams-govt-for-silence-on-khamenei-killing-calls-it-abdication"},"headline":"Sonia Gandhi Slams Govt for ‘Silence’ on Khamenei Killing, Calls It ‘Abdication’","description":"Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has strongly criticised the Narendra Modi-led government’s silence following the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, calling the lack of response “not neutral but an abdication” and urging Parliament to debate the issue.","image":["https://res.cloudinary.com/donttjaap/image/upload/v1772515193/primetime_news/l2sstttrtouqhue3jea0.jpg"],"datePublished":"2026-03-03T05:19:53.621Z","dateModified":"2026-03-03T05:19:53.621Z","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Riddhima Vashisht","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time Cyber Media","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/logo.png"}},"articleSection":"india","articleBody":"

Sonia Gandhi Slams Government’s Silence on Khamenei Killing

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Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the Congress Parliamentary Party, has criticised the Union government for its silence after the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint US-Israel strike. Gandhi described the lack of a clear Indian statement as a serious lapse in foreign policy. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}

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Not Neutral, But ‘Abdication’

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In an opinion article, Gandhi wrote that the government’s silence on Khamenei’s killing was “not neutral but an abdication”, arguing that failing to articulate India’s position on such a major international event amounted to avoiding responsibility. She said India should speak up and openly debate the issue when Parliament reconvenes. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}

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Call for Parliamentary Discussion

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Gandhi also urged for a discussion on the “disturbing silence” in Parliament’s upcoming session. She argued that such international events and their implications for regional stability and India’s foreign policy deserve transparent debate rather than evasion. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}

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Historic Ties and India’s Position

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Referring to India’s long-standing ties with Iran, Gandhi noted Tehran’s historical support for New Delhi on key global issues and urged the government to consider that legacy while navigating diplomatic responses. Critics of the government’s stance argue that silence sends the wrong signal about India’s values and strategic outlook. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}

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Political Reactions and Debate

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The remarks have triggered responses across the political spectrum, with some supporting Gandhi’s call for clarity in foreign policy, while others defend the government’s cautious diplomatic approach amid broader regional tensions. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}