Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi before his visit to Israel. Referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he said that PM Modi is showing moral cowardice at a time when the whole world is criticizing his dear friend.
Reminded of Nehru and old times
In a post on social media platform ‘X’, Ramesh recalled the steps taken by previous governments in support of Palestine. He told that on May 20, 1960, Jawaharlal Nehru had gone to Gaza and met the Indian contingent of the United Nations there. He also reminded that India had issued a commemorative postage stamp on 29 November 1981 to show solidarity with Palestine. After this, on 18 November 1988, India formally recognized Palestine as a country. Ramesh wrote, ‘That was a different era. Now the Indian Prime Minister is openly embracing the Israeli Prime Minister. Netanyahu has turned Gaza into debris and dust and is plotting to expand illegal settlements. When the whole world is speaking ill of Netanyahu, Modi would be showing moral cowardice.
Priyanka Gandhi demanded justice
Earlier, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also made an appeal to PM Modi. He said that when the PM speaks in the Israeli Parliament (Knesset), he should also talk about the Gaza conflict. Priyanka wrote, ‘I hope that PM Modi will mention the massacre of thousands of innocent people killed in Gaza and demand justice for them. India has always stood for truth and peace.
The tour will take place on 25-26 February
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a state visit to Israel on 25 and 26 February. This visit is taking place on the invitation of Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. This is Modi’s second visit to Israel. Earlier in 2017, he became the first Indian Prime Minister to visit there.
These issues will be discussed
There will be a meeting between PM Modi and Netanyahu during this visit. Both the leaders will review the partnership between India and Israel. They will talk about increasing cooperation in areas like science, technology, defence, security, agriculture, water management, trade and economy.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the two leaders will also discuss regional and global issues. PM Modi will also meet Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Israel’s PM Netanyahu on Sunday described the visit as historic. He said that this partnership is continuously touching new heights.