DK Shivakumar faces backlash over meeting with Israeli diplomat amid Gaza conflict
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar has come under sharp criticism on social media after he shared details of his meeting with Inbal Stone, Deputy Consul General at the Consulate General of Israel, at Vidhana Soudha. In his post, Shivakumar stated that he had received an invitation to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations scheduled for June 5 and expressed a desire to strengthen ties between Karnataka and Israel, especially in innovation, technology, and sustainable development.
However, the timing and tone of the statement have triggered a wave of disapproval from citizens and activists who feel it is inappropriate to express such sentiments when Israel is facing global criticism over its ongoing military operations in Gaza. Many commenters questioned the moral position of the Congress leader for engaging diplomatically with Israel amid what several international observers have called a humanitarian crisis.
Critics pointed out that the meeting comes at a time when Israel has been accused by global human rights organisations and international observers of committing large-scale violence against Palestinians in Gaza.
According to recent reports from international media, including Al Jazeera, violence in Gaza has intensified in recent days. As of May 27, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed and over 123,000 injured since Israel began its military operations in October 2023. In just the past few days, renewed airstrikes and ground offensives in Rafah and northern Gaza have caused dozens of civilian deaths, with aid agencies warning of worsening humanitarian conditions. The UN and several rights groups have called for an immediate ceasefire, raising serious concerns about the scale of destruction and suffering.
One social media user commented, "If you do attend, I sincerely hope you will use the opportunity to speak up for an independent Palestine and condemn the ongoing genocide and human rights violations being committed in Gaza. It’s deeply disappointing to see a Congress leader meet with an Israeli official at this moment."
Another added, "At a time when Israel’s actions in Gaza are being called genocidal by global human rights voices, this engagement sends a dangerous message of tacit approval. Shivakumar must prioritize justice and humanity over political optics."
Some reactions were more direct, calling Israel a "genocidal terrorist country" and expressing sadness over Shivakumar's diplomatic engagement.
The incident highlights the growing divide in public opinion over India's relationship with Israel. While diplomatic and business ties between the two countries have expanded in recent years, many in India continue to express strong support for the Palestinian cause, particularly in the wake of the ongoing violence in Gaza, which has resulted in thousands of civilian casualties.
As of now, DK Shivakumar has not issued a response to the backlash. The Congress party, which has historically voiced support for Palestine, is also yet to comment on the matter.
Had the pleasure of meeting Ms. Inbal Stone, Deputy Consul General - Consulate General of Israel, in Vidhana Soudha today. She graciously extended an invitation to attend Israel’s Independence Day celebrations on June 5th.
— DK Shivakumar (@DKShivakumar) May 27, 2025
We value the growing partnership between Karnataka and… pic.twitter.com/PWeRNMf8Zo
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
India commits to halt Russian oil purchases, invest $500B in U.S: White House
New York/Washington (PTI): The White House has hailed a new trade agreement with India, saying the country has committed to “no longer” purchasing Russian oil, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi also agreeing on investments of USD 500 billion across key American sectors.
These remarks were made by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt on Tuesday.
"The President struck another great trade deal with India. He spoke with Prime Minister Modi directly. They share a very good relationship. India is committed to not only no longer purchasing Russian oil, but buying oil from the United States, also perhaps from Venezuela too, which we know will now have a direct benefit on the United States and the American people,” Leavitt told reporters Tuesday.
She further said that in addition to that, Prime Minister Modi “committed to $500 billion of investments into the United States, including for transportation, for energy and for agricultural products as well. So this is another great trade deal thanks to President Trump.”
Earlier, speaking to Fox News about the India-US trade deal, Leavitt said the two leaders had a “great call” on Monday, following which the bilateral trade deal was announced.
“...when it comes to Prime Minister Modi, I know he (Trump) particularly enjoys their relationship and has a deep respect for the Prime Minister and for his country of India.
“They had a great call. It was very productive yesterday, and they struck a deal in which India has agreed to stop purchasing Russian oil to buy more American oil from the United States of America, and potentially from Venezuela too,” she said.
Leavitt added that Trump and his national security team are “now dictating” the commerce of Venezuela and those oil sales.
“So this directly benefits the American people as well. And in addition, India has agreed to invest more in the United States because of President Trump's call to action on that phone call yesterday. Prime Minister Modi committed to USD 500 billion of purchases of US energy, transportation, and agricultural products,” she said.
Leavitt said the US tariff on India will now be at 18 per cent, but American exports to India will face a tariff of 0 per cent, so this is a great deal and a huge win for American workers, businesses and consumers alike.”
The Trump administration had imposed 50 per cent tariffs on India, including 25 per cent for Delhi’s purchases of Russian oil.
In a Truth Social post on Monday, Trump had said that, effective immediately, the two sides agreed to a trade deal under which the US will lower its reciprocal tariff imposed on India from 25 per cent to 18 per cent. India will also move forward to reduce its tariffs and non-tariff barriers against the United States to “zero".
“The Prime Minister also committed to ‘BUY AMERICAN’, at a much higher level, in addition to over $500 BILLION DOLLARS of US Energy, Technology, Agricultural, Coal, and many other products.
“Our amazing relationship with India will be even stronger going forward. Prime Minister Modi and I are two people who GET THINGS DONE, something that cannot be said for most,” Trump said.
Modi said it was wonderful to speak with his “dear friend" Trump.
"Delighted that Made in India products will now have a reduced tariff of 18 per cent. Big thanks to President Trump on behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India for this wonderful announcement,” Modi said.
"When two large economies and the world’s largest democracies work together, it benefits our people and unlocks immense opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. President Trump’s leadership is vital for global peace, stability, and prosperity. India fully supports his efforts for peace. I look forward to working closely with him to take our partnership to unprecedented heights,” Modi said.
