Owaisi Demands Clarity on PM Modi’s Israel Visit Following “Operation Roaring Lion” Strikes

Hyderabad, March 1: AIMIM president and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has launched a sharp critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day state visit to Israel, describing the trip as “untimely” and a “betrayal” of India’s long-standing foreign policy. Owaisi’s comments come in the immediate wake of an escalation in the Middle East, specifically following Israeli military strikes on Iran shortly after the Prime Minister’s departure from Tel Aviv.

Addressing reporters on Saturday evening, Owaisi alleged that Israel strategically used the Prime Minister’s presence to project a message of international endorsement for its military actions. He questioned whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had informed the Indian delegation of the planned offensive against Tehran. Owaisi argued that if the Indian government was aware, the Prime Minister should have cancelled the visit, and if they were not, it implies that Israel “deceived” India and its 133 crore people.

The AIMIM chief highlighted the potential risk to the Indian diaspora, noting that nearly 10 million Indian citizens reside in Gulf countries and another 50,000 are in Iran. He expressed grave concern over the “wrong message” sent to these nations, suggesting that the visit undermines India’s 80-year legacy of neutrality in West Asian conflicts. Owaisi further remarked that the visit appeared to favor one side of the conflict at a time when the entire Global South is calling for de-escalation and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Owaisi also questioned the tangible gains for India from the visit, which saw the elevation of bilateral ties to a “Special Strategic Partnership for Peace, Innovation, and Prosperity.” While the government celebrated agreements in AI, semiconductors, and defense, Owaisi contended that the timing has left Indian media personnel stranded in a conflict zone and may have compromised India’s strategic autonomy. He concluded by demanding the government clarify its official stance on the current strikes and prioritize the safety and evacuation of Indian nationals in the region.