Published March 2, 2026 — last updated March 2, 2026
India’s main opposition, the Congress Party, has condemned the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli strike and criticized the Modi government’s handling of the ensuing Middle East crisis. The party said the “targeted assassination” was unacceptable and called the government’s response a betrayal of India’s values and interests.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge issued a statement denouncing the strike. Priyanka Gandhi called the killing “despicable” on X and accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of aligning himself with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former US President Donald Trump. Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Modi’s recent visit to Israel and his Knesset speech, saying the timing was inappropriate and calling the remarks “shameful moral cowardice.”
Prime Minister Modi, meanwhile, has stressed India’s concern about the escalating tensions. He spoke by phone with Netanyahu, urging an “early cessation of hostilities” and emphasizing the priority of civilian safety. Modi also condemned the attacks on the United Arab Emirates in a call with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and said India stood in solidarity with the Emirates. Modi has reiterated India’s preference for resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy and has highlighted efforts to protect Indian citizens in the region.
Separately, India and Canada agreed several deals during Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit, including a strategic energy partnership and a CAD$2.6 billion uranium supply agreement to support India’s nuclear power ambitions. Both sides said they will cooperate on small modular reactors and advanced reactor technologies as part of efforts to deepen bilateral ties.
DW will continue to follow developments as India responds diplomatically to the crisis and works to ensure the safety of its nationals abroad.
