Congress on Friday launched a sharp attack on the Narendra Modi government, accusing it of "ceding diplomatic space" and compromising India’s strategic autonomy. The criticism came amid heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing debates over India’s foreign policy decisions.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge praised the diplomatic legacy of former Prime Ministers Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Atal Bihari Vajpayee, claiming that India maintained its independence in global affairs under their leadership. “India has a proud record of chartering our own destiny. It remained unblemished until now… No Prime Minister has buckled under pressure of any country and made India a virtual vassal state, except Modi ji,” Kharge said in a social media post.

Kharge specifically cited India’s dealings with the United States and other countries, alleging that Modi’s government has surrendered key areas of trade, energy, and strategic partnerships. “The US proclamation to 'allow' and grant us 'permission' to buy Russian oil, as a 'waiver for 30-days' clearly demonstrates Modi Govt is continuously ceding diplomatic space,” he said. He also referred to past instances involving Iranian oil imports and the Indo-US Trade Deal, claiming India acquiesced to foreign pressure instead of asserting its independence.

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Former Union Minister Jairam Ramesh also criticised the government’s foreign policy, describing it as "completely exposed" in the backdrop of the US-Israel strike on Iran. In a post on X, Ramesh highlighted concerns over the safety of Indian expatriates and said the country is “paying a heavy price for both the substance and the methods of Prime Minister Modi's foreign policy.”

Congress leader Salman Khurshid, who heads the party’s Foreign Affairs Department, questioned the government’s silence over the attack on the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena off Sri Lankan waters. He warned that the lack of official response could “jeopardise the hard-built trust in India’s naval capabilities” and affect future Indian-led exercises, intelligence sharing, and cooperation on anti-piracy and humanitarian operations.

The Congress criticism comes at a time when India navigates complex international challenges, with party leaders urging greater assertiveness and strategic independence in foreign affairs. The remarks underscore ongoing political scrutiny of Modi government’s diplomatic approach, particularly in relation to energy security and regional stability.

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