'Hope he mentions the genocide': Priyanka Gandhi urges PM Modi to highlight Gaza plight during Israel visit
Times of India
by TOI NEWS DESKFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to raise the issue of Gaza's humanitarian crisis during his upcoming two-day visit to Israel. She urged him to address the plight of civilians while speaking at the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, emphasizing the need for India to uphold its historical commitment to truth, peace, and justice on the global stage. Gandhi’s appeal comes as Modi departs for a state visit aimed at strengthening India-Israel ties, with plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and address the Knesset.
Gandhi highlighted the ongoing violence in Gaza, describing it as a “genocide” of innocent men, women, and children. She stressed that India has long stood for justice in global conflicts and must continue to do so. Her remarks reflect the broader criticism from the Congress party, which has accused the government of abandoning the Palestinian cause despite past commitments. Party general secretary Jairam Ramesh criticized Modi’s decision to embrace Netanyahu while civilians suffer in Gaza, contrasting it with India’s historical support for Palestine, including Nehru’s 1960 visit to Gaza and the issuance of a commemorative stamp in solidarity with Palestine in 1981.
The government has defended Modi’s visit as an opportunity to reinforce India-Israel strategic partnership. Areas of focus include defense, technology, trade, and people-to-people exchanges. The visit is expected to yield progress on a free trade agreement and an upgraded security pact, along with discussions on regional and global issues like West Asia’s situation. Netanyahu has described the visit as “historic,” underscoring the growing cooperation between the two nations.
This issue matters because it highlights India’s evolving role in international diplomacy and its stance on key conflicts. While Modi’s trip is positioned as a chance to deepen ties with Israel, critics argue that it comes at the expense of India’s long-standing support for Palestinian rights. The debate over Gaza underscores broader questions about India’s commitment to global justice and its ability to balance relationships with conflicting parties in the region. As Modi engages with Netanyahu and addresses global issues, his remarks will be closely watched as a barometer of India’s stance on peace and justice in the Middle East.
Verticals
worldasia
Originally published on Times of India on 2/25/2026