In an unprecedented move that diverges sharply from India’s federal stance, the Punjab state legislature observed a formal moment of silence last week honoring Iranian casualties of recent military strikes. This gesture establishes Punjab as the sole Indian state to officially denounce the US-Israeli offensive against Iran.
The tribute occurred during Punjab’s budgetary session when MLA Sukhwinder Kumar Sukhi condemned the February 28th attacks that reportedly killed approximately 165 children in a school assault attributed to US forces. Sukhi characterized the incident as ‘inhuman’ and specifically referenced the deaths of medical personnel, patients, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei according to translations by The Wire.
Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan presided over the solemn observance, prompting the entire assembly to rise in silent tribute. Sukhi later clarified his intention was to ‘wake up other governments’ through this subnational demonstration of solidarity.
This provincial action contrasts with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration, which has maintained official silence regarding the Iran conflict despite the Indian foreign secretary’s meeting with Iran’s ambassador. The US-Israeli offensive commenced merely 48 hours after Modi’s high-profile state visit to Israel, where he embraced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and pledged enhanced bilateral cooperation.
Modi’s Israel alignment has drawn criticism from opposition parties and international observers, particularly following his address to Israel’s parliament expressing support during ongoing operations in Gaza. The Indian government has significantly deepened military and economic ties with Israel under Modi, including participation in the I2U2 quadrilateral partnership with the UAE and US.
Concurrently, thousands of Punjab farmers demonstrated against a recent US-India trade agreement while expressing solidarity with Iran. Bharatiya Kisan Union leader Jagmohan Singh denounced both the trade deal and military offensive as ‘anti-farmer’ initiatives. These protests follow earlier coordinated actions by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha farmers’ coalition against what they termed US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Parallel demonstrations have emerged in Indian-administered Kashmir, where security forces have reportedly suppressed protests against US-Israeli actions. Last Friday witnessed the closure of Srinagar’s Jamia Masjid and restrictions in Shia neighborhoods during Al-Quds Day observances, drawing comparisons from Kashmiri leadership to Israeli restrictions at Al-Aqsa Mosque.