News Desk - Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the government's handling of U.S. President Donald Trump's accusations against Iran, calling the PM an "obedient servant" who "complies with orders." The controversy erupted after Trump accused Iran of carrying out drone attacks against Indian ships leaving the Strait of Hormuz, claiming it was "totally unacceptable," while Iran vehemently rejected the allegation as baseless.

Trump's accusation that Iran attacked three merchant vessels carrying Indian crew members off the Oman coast this week sparked intense diplomatic tension, with the attacks resulting in the deaths of three Indian seafarers on June 10, 2026, when the Palau-flagged MT Settebello was struck. The three vessels with Indian crew came under attack: Marivex (24 Indian seafarers, June 8), MT Settebello (24 Indian crew, three killed, June 10), and MT Jalveer (20 Indian crew, June 12). Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei dismissed Trump's allegations as "purely conjectural" and "baseless," emphasizing that Iran has not made any final decision on agreements with the U.S. and will not compromise on its "red lines" during negotiations.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi accused the BJP and the government of acting as "obedient servants" of the U.S., criticizing Modi's approach to the diplomatic crisis over the attacks on Indian ships. The Congress party has launched protests alleging unfair treatment by the government in handling the maritime security crisis, with Gandhi raising concerns over the government's response to the deadly attacks that killed Indian sailors. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke directly with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday, reiterating India's "strong protest at the attacks by the U.S. Navy in the Gulf that killed three Indian mariners," demanding that "these strikes must stop immediately".

The political controversy highlights the complex diplomatic challenges India faces as both the U.S. claims Iran orchestrated the attacks while Tehran denies involvement, leaving the true cause of the deadly strikes on merchant ships with Indian crew unresolved. As India continues to press for the protection of its seafaring community, with 20,000 Indian sailors operating in conflict prone waters, the government's response to the crisis has become a focal point of domestic political criticism.