The Congress on Sunday criticised the Centre’s response to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, calling it a “betrayal” of India’s values, principles and national interests. The party has flagged concerns over the “targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation” and the safety of Indians stranded in West Asia.The party said the country was paying a “heavy price” for both the substance and style of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s foreign policy, pointing to recent geopolitical developments and India’s diplomatic positioning.Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra condemned what she described as the “targeted assassination of the leadership of a sovereign nation” and the killing of civilians amid the ongoing conflict.In a strongly worded message, Priyanka said the actions of “so-called leaders of the democratic world” were “despicable” and warranted condemnation regardless of the justification offered. She further said that it was “tragic” that multiple nations had been drawn into the conflict, stressing that the world required peace rather than “unnecessary wars”. Invoking Mahatma Gandhi, she reiterated that “an eye for an eye makes the whole world blind”.She also called on the Centre to ensure the safe evacuation of Indian citizens from affected regions, expressing hope that the government would make “every effort” to bring them back. Referring to engagements with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, she said the government must prioritise the safety of Indians caught in the conflict zone.Meanwhile, Congress general secretary (communications) Jairam Ramesh said India’s foreign policy under what he described as the “self-styled Vishwaguru” stands “brutally exposed”, alleging that the government’s claims of global leadership are not matched by outcomes on the ground.He linked the criticism to India’s response to the reported US-Israel military actions against Iran and said the government had failed to uphold consistent strategic and moral positions.Congress leaders’ comments come against the backdrop of escalating tensions in West Asia, including the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei in a coordinated strike attributed to Israel and the United States.Ramesh also raised concerns over India’s ties with the US, referring to repeated remarks by Trump on issues relating to Pakistan and trade. He claimed that Washington’s public assertions, including its stated role in halting “Operation Sindoor” and announcements around a bilateral trade deal, had not been addressed by New Delhi.The Congress leader further sought clarity on claims that India may scale back oil purchases from Russia. Referring to the Prime Minister’s recent visit to Israel, Ramesh said the trip took place shortly before the escalation involving Iran, adding that India’s subsequent response to the conflict reflected “moral inconsistency”.He also cited earlier remarks on China, following the 2020 Ladakh border tensions, alleging they weakened India’s negotiating position.