The Congress party on Friday welcomed the emerging ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a “vital step” toward de-escalation of tensions in West Asia, while urging the central government to adopt a more consultative approach involving the Opposition in shaping India’s foreign policy response.

In a resolution adopted by the Congress Working Committee, the party strongly criticised targeted assassinations, unlawful wars, and attacks on civilians, calling them “unconscionable crimes” against humanity. It said such actions violate established international norms and undermine global efforts to maintain peace and stability.

The resolution called upon the Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government to engage with Opposition parties in order to “recreate India’s historic identity” as a proactive global advocate for peace and a just international order. The Congress said a unified national stance was essential to strengthen India’s diplomatic credibility on the global stage.

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The party also invoked several international legal frameworks, including the Geneva Conventions and provisions of the United Nations Charter, arguing that India has historically supported principles of sovereignty, non-aggression, and peaceful dispute resolution. It cited India’s long-standing foreign policy traditions rooted in non-alignment, constitutional values, and global cooperation.

Highlighting India’s historical diplomatic role, the Congress Working Committee referred to the country’s involvement in anti-colonial movements, peacekeeping missions, and multilateral initiatives under the Non-Aligned Movement. It noted India’s contributions to United Nations peacekeeping operations and its engagement in various international crises as part of its global peace-building efforts.

The party also criticised the central government’s handling of regional diplomatic dynamics, alleging that strategic space had been ceded in West Asia. It argued that this had economic and geopolitical implications, including disruptions in energy supplies and rising import costs affecting domestic markets, particularly in the aftermath of recent conflicts in the region.

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