Kharge slams Modi's silence on Iran conflict, calls for global peace

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for maintaining silence on the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, despite India’s deep energy and diplomatic ties with Tehran. Addressing a public gathering in Raichur, Kharge questioned Modi’s global ambitions and urged the government to speak out in favour of peace.

“Iran has consistently supported our country. We procure nearly 50 per cent of our crude oil from Iran. Today, the war is happening there, yet the Prime Minister remains silent. He calls himself a ‘Vishwaguru’ but says nothing when the world needs leadership for peace,” Kharge said.

He emphasised that the common man is more concerned with essential needs—food, clothing, shelter, and fuel prices—than with slogans of global supremacy. “People supported him for these basic issues, not to roam around claiming titles,” he added.

Iran has been consistently supporting our country. We procure nearly 50% crude oil from Iran.

Currently, the war has happening in Iran. But PM Modi is not speaking anything about this war. But he calls himself a "Vishwaguru"

Whether he is a "Vishwaguru" or not, it doesn’t… pic.twitter.com/9k683fGLHd

— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) June 23, 2025

Kharge expressed the Congress party’s desire for an immediate end to the war between Israel and Iran. Referring to a recent article by Congress leader Sonia Gandhi, he noted her appeal for India to take a stand for peace and to voice its concerns internationally.

“We must reflect on whether we want ‘Buddha’ or ‘Yuddha’—peace or war—in our country and the world. Buddha represents peace, Yuddha brings destruction,” Kharge said, urging world leaders to step back from the brink of conflict.

“Nuclear weapons and missiles are threatening global stability. Many innocent lives are being lost. Let us all pray for peace,” he said, reiterating the Congress party’s commitment to promoting harmony and opposing war in all forms.