As Pinarayi Vijayan, Stalin denounce Israel over Iran, Gaza conflicts, what lies beneath

In his reaction, CM Vijayan stated on X: “The entire international community must speak out to end reckless and unlawful aggression of Israel against Iran. Backed by the complicit support of the imperialist power bloc led by the United States, Israel continues its brazen and belligerent onslaught across West Asia. No peace-loving, dignified person can remain silent in the face of such atrocities, especially the ongoing genocide in Gaza. The time has come to stand up, speak out, and hold this rogue state accountable. Only then can we hope to restore peace and normalcy in the region”.

DMK leader and MP Arun Nehru told The Indian Express, “DMK’s stand (on the conflict in West Asia) is clear. We believe in ending hostilities. And we believe in regional integrity. We do not want civilians to suffer even as we oppose all terror infrastructure.”

The DMK leader also said that his party has maintained that “diplomatic solutions” should be pursued instead of resorting to any conflicts.Sources in the DMK said Stalin issued his statement as he has been opposed to “bloodshed in West Asia being led by Israel, which has now triggered a much larger war in the region”.

Vijayan’s stand reflected the CPI(M)’s consistent policy which has staunchly opposed “genocide in Gaza”, party leaders said.

A statement issued by CPI(M) Politburo stated: “The international community led by the United Nations must intervene without delay to restrain Israel’s aggression (against Iran). The Government of India must add its voice to the global condemnation of this attack and actively urge Israel to cease its military operations immediately.”

The CPI(M) also condemned India’s decision to “abstain from voting in support of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly”, adding that “such actions only serve to embolden Israel and its continued aggression in the region”.

CPI(M) Politburo leader Ashok Dhawale said, “Comrade Vijayan’s stand is in line with the CPI(M)’s clear stand on Israel and Palestine. In fact, it is in line with India’s traditional stand on the West Asian conflict. The CPI(M) has condemned Israel’s continuing genocide in Gaza and its latest attack on Iran. The Indian government’s current position, which gives tacit support to Israel, is scandalous because right from the time of our Independence we have been very much aligned with the Palestinian struggle. We have always maintained that a two-state solution (with Israel and Palestine retaining their statehood as per pre-1967 boundaries), with East Jerusalem as the capital of Palestine, is the practical solution”.

Government’s statements

New Delhi has urged both Israel and Iran to avoid any “escalatory steps” and to resolve issues through dialogue and diplomacy. “India enjoys close and friendly relations with both countries and stands ready to extend all possible support,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said.

Distancing itself from the SCO’s statement against Israel, the MEA has also said: “India did not participate in the discussions on the above-mentioned SCO statement… We urge that channels of dialogue and diplomacy be utilised to work towards de-escalation and it is essential that the international community undertake endeavours in that direction.”

The principal Opposition Congress party criticised the BJP-led central government for not participating in the discussions on the SCO statement, asking if it had been reduced to being an “abject apologist for Israel”.The Congress also criticised the Centre for abstaining from voting on the UNGA resolution for a ceasefire in Gaza, alleging that India’s foreign policy was “in a shambles”. The party asked if India has abandoned its principled stand advocating for ceasefire, peace and dialogue in West Asia, claiming that because of this decision the country “virtually stands isolated”.