The Congress has targeted Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the sinking of an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean, calling it a 'surrender of strategic autonomy'. The US torpedoed the Iranian vessel, killing at least 87 people, outside India's territorial waters after it had completed its participation in the International Fleet Review in Visakhapatnam.
Congress leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, have criticized the PM for his silence on the issue, questioning his ability to react to the situation in his 'own backyard'. They have also raised concerns over the safety of Indians living in the Gulf region and the impact of the conflict on India's energy supplies and economy.
Congress leader Pawan Khera accused the PM of 'criminal silence' over recent military strikes by the US and Israel against Iran, alleging that the government's response reflects external pressure influencing India's foreign policy.
The Congress has warned of significant economic consequences for India arising from the conflict, particularly due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, which has stranded goods worth ₹10,000 crore and left 38 ships and nearly 1,100 Indian sailors stranded.
