BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, currently on an international diplomatic tour as part of an all-party delegation, has sparked a heated political debate over his comments made in Kuwait regarding India’s stance on Israel and Palestine. After his remarks were criticized by Congress leaders, Dubey shot back, accusing the opposition of blurring the lines between Palestine and Hamas.

Dubey's Statement: India Supports Palestine, Condemns Terrorism

Speaking in Kuwait, Dubey highlighted India’s consistent humanitarian support for Palestine, saying:

“Even today, we are sending food to Palestine. During COVID, we gave vaccines to both Palestine and Kuwait. In 2024, we kept ₹39 crore in the budget for aid to Palestine.”

He noted that India was among the first countries to recognize the PLO in 1974 and Palestine as a country in 1988, reaffirming that India still believes in the two-nation theory—separate states of Israel and Palestine.

However, he also issued a sharp criticism of Hamas, suggesting that some in India deliberately conflate Palestinian civilians with terror outfits, adding:

“Is there no difference between Palestine and Hamas? I feel pity for Jairam Ramesh, who has ruined the reputation of the Congress.”

Congress Hits Back: “Double-Faced Politics”

Congress leader Pawan Khera took to social media, slamming Dubey with a blistering attack:

“Bad words in the country, sermons abroad. This man preaches peace in Muslim nations, but spreads hatred back home.”

Khera accused the BJP MP of hypocrisy and said such double standards damage India’s global image:

“He becomes a supporter of Palestine abroad to gain hospitality but returns to stoking communal tensions.”

Jairam Ramesh also criticized the remarks, though Dubey did not spare him either, calling his criticism an example of Congress' “intellectual dishonesty.”

India’s Foreign Messaging Under Spotlight

The controversy highlights the delicate balancing act India attempts between international diplomacy and domestic politics. While India continues to support a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, statements from political leaders abroad are increasingly under scrutiny back home.

The delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Panda, includes cross-party leaders such as Asaduddin Owaisi, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and Harsh Shringla, visiting Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Algeria to present India’s united stand against terrorism and clarify its position on West Asia’s complex issues.