On March 29, 2026, N. Ram, Director of The Hindu Group, spoke at a seminar held at HKS Surjeet Bhavan in New Delhi, addressing the pressing issue of imperialist aggression and its global impact. His remarks centered on the recent attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, the shifts in India's foreign policy under the current government, and the broader implications for international solidarity against imperialism.
Mr. Ram began by emphasizing the urgent need for public protest against imperialist interventions targeting Iran and other nations. He framed this resistance as intertwined with opposition to the evolving direction of India's foreign policy. "We have come to a stage where people must protest against this transformation, side by side, with our struggle against imperialist attacks on various states and the people of those countries," he declared, expressing solidarity with those affected by imperialist actions in West Asia, Latin America, and beyond.
The seminar featured notable participants including Cuban Ambassador to India Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera, senior journalist Seema Chisti, and leaders from Left political parties, all contributing perspectives on the theme of imperialism's persistence and its contemporary forms.
A significant portion of Mr. Ram's address focused on the recent attack on Iran, which involved the assassination of the country's Supreme Leader. He described the strike as "treacherous" and condemned the actions of the United States and Israel as constituting war crimes and humanitarian violations. Highlighting the tragic consequences, he noted the death of schoolgirls in one of the missile strikes, a fact initially denied by U.S. President Donald Trump but subsequently revealed as true.
Critically, Mr. Ram condemned the Indian government's response to these events. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration of adopting a "shameful policy" by failing to condemn the assassination and, more controversially, by the timing of Mr. Modi's visit to Israel. According to Mr. Ram, the visit coincided with the attack and effectively lent political cover to the United States and Israel, fostering a perception of collusion. He stated, "Not only did they fail to condemn the assassination of the Supreme Leader, they also created the feeling through the Prime Minister's visit to Israel, precisely at the wrong moment, that there was some kind of collusion."
This criticism was part of a broader indictment of India's foreign policy changes, which Mr. Ram described as deeply troubling. He identified three interconnected developments marking this shift: the deepening strategic partnership between India and the United States, the solidification of an overt alliance with Israel, and a weakening of India's longstanding commitment to anti-colonial solidarity, especially regarding Palestine and Iran.
Historically, India has maintained a consistent stance supporting Palestinian rights and opposing colonialism. Mr. Ram reminded the audience that India had been a proud advocate for Palestine in the developing world. However, he argued that the current government has eroded this legacy, turning away from serious criticism of Israeli policies and prioritizing strategic and technological cooperation with Israel over support for Palestinian self-determination. The language of solidarity with oppressed peoples, he noted, has been replaced by rhetoric focused on security partnerships and geopolitical balancing.
In relation to India's ties with the United States, Mr. Ram highlighted a recent episode involving Indian crude oil imports from Russia. He pointed to headlines that read, "U.S. allows India to import Russian oil for 30 days," interpreting this as a sign of India's subordinate position in its alliance with the United States. This example was used to illustrate the broader trend of India aligning closely with U.S. strategic interests, often at the expense of its independent foreign policy traditions.
Adding to the discourse, senior journalist Seema Chisti provided a critical perspective on the nature of current global imperialism. She argued that recent developments have laid bare the fundamental, unvarnished realities of colonialism and imperialism. Rejecting the term "neo-colonialism," she suggested that what is unfolding today is colonialism in its most basic and historically familiar form-annexation and exploitation reminiscent of 19th-century imperialism. Her remarks underscored the continuity of colonial dynamics despite contemporary justifications framed in new language.
Cuban Ambassador Juan Carlos Marsan Aguilera also addressed the seminar, focusing on threats from the United States towards Cuba. He recalled longstanding U.S. hostility and military threats against his country, emphasizing Cuba's resilience and determination to defend its sovereignty. "Cuba cannot be taken, believe me. Cuba is not a piece of cake. Cuba is very proud of our history, our independence, and our heroes," he asserted.
Ambassador Aguilera extended his message of resistance and solidarity to other nations facing U.S. aggression, including Venezuela, Iran, and Palestine. He stressed the global community of supporters committed to opposing imperialist actions and called for an end to the U.S. blockade against Cuba. His remarks concluded with a resolute declaration: "Let Cuba live in peace, hands off Cuba, drop the blockade. Cuba will prevail."
The seminar thus brought together voices critical of imperialist aggression and the changing geopolitical landscape, linking local and global struggles. It highlighted concerns about India's shifting foreign policy under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, particularly its growing alignment with the United States and Israel at the expense of traditional anti-colonial commitments.
In summary, the event illuminated the complexities of contemporary imperialism and the challenges faced by nations and peoples resisting external domination. It called for renewed solidarity and active protest against imperialist wars and interventions, emphasizing the importance of maintaining principled foreign policy stances grounded in anti-colonialism and support for oppressed peoples. The voices at the seminar underscored that these issues are not confined to distant lands but have direct implications for India and its role on the world stage.
This seminar and its discussions are a reflection of ongoing debates about India's place in a rapidly changing global order, the moral responsibilities of its leadership, and the necessity for people's movements to hold governments accountable for their international alignments and policies. The concerns raised by N. Ram and others resonate with wider calls for justice, peace, and the defense of sovereignty amid persistent imperialist pressures worldwide.