New Delhi: The Congress on Tuesday criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, alleging that the offensive is undermining ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran. The opposition party also questioned the Prime Minister's position on the issue, claiming that developments in West Asia have direct implications for India's interests.

Congress general secretary in-charge communications Jairam Ramesh raised the issue in a post on X, where he accused Modi of not speaking out while Israel continued its operations in Lebanon.

Congress links conflict to India's economic interests

Ramesh said negotiations between the United States and Iran are continuing with the aim of ending the conflict in West Asia.

According to him, a successful agreement between Washington and Tehran could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global energy supplies. He argued that such a development would likely ease pressure on oil prices, an issue of significant importance to India.

The Congress leader maintained that India has a major stake in the outcome of these discussions because of its dependence on energy imports and the broader economic impact of oil price fluctuations.

Israel's operations in Lebanon under scrutiny

Ramesh claimed that the talks between the United States and Iran have not yet reached a conclusion largely because of Israel's continuing military actions in Lebanon.

He pointed to what he described as unprecedented incursions by Israeli forces and alleged that these actions were complicating efforts to secure a broader agreement in the region.

The Congress leader also noted that several countries have publicly criticised Israel's offensive in Lebanon.

"Not surprisingly, the one head of government who has kept completely silent while Israel goes ahead with devastating Lebanon and sabotaging the US-Iran agreement is Prime Minister Narendra Modi," Ramesh said.

Taking a swipe at the Prime Minister, he asked whether the "so-called fatherland" meant more to him than his "actual motherland".

Trump reportedly frustrated with Netanyahu

Ramesh further referred to remarks made by US President Donald Trump regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

According to the Congress leader, Trump has openly expressed frustration and anger towards Netanyahu over the ongoing situation.

The comments came as reports emerged that Trump had personally intervened to prevent an Israeli strike on Beirut.

In a post on Truth Social on Monday evening, Trump said he had spoken directly with Netanyahu and asked him not to carry out a major military operation in Beirut.

"I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu today (Monday), asking him not to go into a major raid of Beirut, Lebanon. He turned his Troops around. Thank you Bibi," Trump wrote, using Netanyahu's commonly known nickname.

Trump claimed that following their conversation, the Israeli leader reversed the planned operation.

The statement came amid reports suggesting that discussions between the two leaders had been tense. According to media reports, Trump allegedly told Netanyahu that he would have been in prison had it not been for his intervention.

Iran threatened to walk away from talks

Trump's conversation with Netanyahu reportedly took place after Iran warned that it could abandon negotiations with the United States due to Israel's actions in Lebanon.

At the same time, Netanyahu had stated that Israel would target what he described as "terror targets" in Beirut if Hezbollah continued launching attacks against Israel.

The developments added further uncertainty to efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.

Hezbollah representatives also contacted

Trump also said he had spoken with representatives linked to Hezbollah's leadership.

According to the US president, those representatives agreed to stop firing at Israel and Israeli soldiers.

The claim came as diplomatic efforts continued alongside military developments across the region.

US news outlet Axios reported that tempers flared during the phone call between Trump and Netanyahu.

The report suggested that the discussion became heated as both leaders addressed the rapidly evolving situation involving Israel, Lebanon and the wider negotiations involving Iran and the United States.

Agency inputs