An Indian civil society coalition has strongly criticised the ongoing military confrontation involving the United States and Israel and called on the Indian government to abandon what it described as “disturbing silence” over the crisis. In a statement issued on March 6, the National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM) condemned what it termed an unlawful military assault on the Iran and urged the government of India to publicly support an immediate ceasefire and renewed diplomatic negotiations.
The statement said the coalition “strongly condemns the ongoing military assault by the Governments of the United States and Israel against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” describing it as “a gross violation of international law, the UN Charter, and the fundamental principles of diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution.” NAPM called on both governments “to stop this war immediately, declare a ceasefire and return to mutually respectful and fair negotiations,” while also urging New Delhi to join international efforts to halt the escalation.
According to the organisation, the conflict escalated on February 28 when Israel, with coordinated involvement from the United States, launched a large-scale offensive named Operation Lion’s Roar targeting multiple locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran. NAPM alleged that the attacks struck civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and other critical facilities, describing the escalation as disproportionate and beyond any legitimate claim of self-defence.
The group also condemned what it said was the assassination of Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, along with several members of his family and officials, calling the killings a violation of international law. “NAPM strongly condemns the military aggression of US & Israel against Iranian leaders and its civilian population,” the statement said.
While criticising Iran’s domestic governance record, the organisation said foreign military intervention could not be justified as a tool for political change. It stated that although “the Iranian regime has been undemocratic, with high repression on common people and dissenters,” questions of political reform must be resolved internally by Iranians rather than through external force or attempts at regime change.
The coalition also argued that diplomatic efforts to address Iran’s nuclear programme were already progressing prior to the latest escalation. According to the statement, negotiations involving the United States, the European Union and Iranian representatives had been underway in early 2026 to scale back aspects of Iran’s uranium enrichment programme. It cited comments from the foreign minister of Oman, who had reportedly indicated that Tehran had accepted several negotiating demands shortly before the attacks.
NAPM said these diplomatic channels were undermined by the decision to pursue military action, claiming that negotiations had been “making measured progress toward limiting Iran’s nuclear capacities and avoiding a broader war.” The statement argued that the attacks had “militarized a well-set diplomatic process and foreclosed the possibility of an agreed diplomatic settlement.”
The organisation also referred to previous confrontations, alleging that U.S. and Israeli forces had carried out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during 2025 even while international monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency remained active. It warned that such actions risked weakening global oversight mechanisms and escalating regional tensions.
NAPM further argued that the attacks violated international law, noting that the United Nations Charter permits the use of force only in self-defence or with authorisation from the United Nations Security Council. According to the group, neither condition had been met. The statement also cited warnings from the UN Secretary-General during an emergency Security Council meeting that the strikes could widen the conflict and destabilise the region.
The coalition highlighted what it described as a severe humanitarian impact. It cited reports that an Israeli strike on a girls’ elementary school in the Iranian city of Minab had killed 165 students, while hundreds of civilians were reported dead across the country. “The mounting civilian toll and the specter of a wider war makes it clear that the use of overwhelming force is neither proportional nor justified,” the statement said, adding that the organisation conveyed solidarity with families affected by the violence.
The group also linked the escalation with the wider regional crisis, including the ongoing conflict in Palestine. It reiterated solidarity with Palestinians and accused Israel of large-scale civilian harm during operations in the territory, calling for accountability under international law.
A significant portion of the statement focused on India’s response to the unfolding crisis. NAPM criticised the government for failing to issue a clear condemnation of the attacks, arguing that India’s silence was inconsistent with its historic foreign policy positions and long-standing relations with Iran. The statement noted centuries of cultural exchange between the two countries as well as strategic cooperation such as the development of the Chabahar Port.
The coalition also warned that regional instability could affect Indian interests, including the safety of millions of Indian citizens working across Gulf countries. It referred to reports that the Gandhi Hospital in Tehran had been bombed and alleged that a U.S. submarine had torpedoed the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Dena near the coast of Sri Lanka. According to the statement, many of the sailors on board had recently participated in naval exercises hosted by India.
The organisation also invoked India’s constitutional commitments under Article 51 of the Directive Principles of State Policy, which calls on the state to promote international peace, maintain honourable relations between nations and encourage the peaceful settlement of disputes. It said these principles should guide India’s response to the crisis.
“Silence in the face of such incidents is unacceptable,” the statement said, urging New Delhi to “call for an immediate ceasefire, respect for international law, adherence to the UN Charter, and the protection of all civilians affected by the conflict.”
The coalition concluded by reiterating its demand for an immediate halt to U.S. and Israeli military operations, a return to negotiations under international supervision, and accountability for civilian casualties. It also expressed solidarity with ordinary Iranians and called for democratic reforms within Iran alongside a peaceful resolution to the international dispute.
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