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
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Oppn, X users flag concerns over US envoy Sergio Gor’s visit to Army’s western command
New Delhi: A visit by the US Ambassador to India, Sergio Gor, to Chandigarh on Monday has triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, raising questions about national security and foreign policy.
On X, Ambassador Gor announced his visit, writing, “Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army.”
Just landed in Chandigarh. Looking forward to visiting the Western Command of the Indian Army
— Ambassador Sergio Gor (@USAmbIndia) February 16, 2026
Soon after, opposition voices questioned the broader implications of the visit. Congress Kerala, in a post, commented, “Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings. Didn't they say then ‘Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?’ Compared to that, this is very small.”
Why so much panic? We’ve already seen Pakistan's ISI getting access to Pathankot Airbase with this government's blessings.
— Congress Kerala (@INCKerala) February 16, 2026
Didn't they say then "Modi ne kiya ho to kuch soch samajh kar kiya hoga?"
Compared to that, this is very small. pic.twitter.com/gNNuAGQBPC
Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Priyanka Chaturvedi also weighed in, writing, “Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that.”
She further added, “India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to know from their own government. US Ambassador is doing the job for his nation, who is doing for us? The answer is blowing in the wind.”
Since India’s national strategic interests are now tied to what US wants India to do, this visit seems to sync with that. India’s history will remember the de-escalation announcement between India and Pak was announced on social media by the US President before Indians got to… pic.twitter.com/rYMq5NhJHA
— Priyanka Chaturvedi🇮🇳 (@priyankac19) February 16, 2026
The visit comes against the backdrop of the growing US-India defence partnership.
Writer and political analyst @rajuparulekar commented on ‘X’, “East India Company is back!”
“Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in india?” asked another user.
Several X users expressed concerns over the appropriateness of the visit.
One asked, “Is it allowed for an ambassador to visit any army unit in India?” Another wrote, “Why an ambassador visiting our army places? To talk to Chandigarh lobby for F-35?”
Why an ambassador visiting our army places ? To talk to chandigarh lobby for f-35 ??
— Rohan Sagar (@RohanSagar03) February 16, 2026
“We have completely sold Indian sovereignty. Rothschild the evil Bankers will now control NSE. Modi sold Bharat Mata to Trump . And now American imperialist is visiting our army command . Scary,” wrote another user.
“The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?,” opined another.
The Indian Army isn’t part of geopolitics, so why is he interested in visiting there?
— Aditya Pratap Singh (@Adi_IIMCIAN) February 16, 2026
On Sunday, Gor welcomed Admiral Samuel Paparo, Commander of the United States Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM), highlighting efforts to expand the growing US-India defence partnership.
In a post on X, Gor wrote, “Delighted to have @INDOPACOM Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo in India to expand the U.S.-India defense partnership. Now is the time to strengthen vital cooperation between our two nations.”
On Monday, Admiral Samuel J. Paparo Jr visited the headquarters of India’s Western Army Command along with the American envoy Sergio Gor. The delegation was briefed on the formation’s capabilities, its past operations, and future plans.
The American delegation also visited Bengaluru, where they met three start-ups, two in the space sector and one in defence, and participated in an Indo-US conference.
