Insights into Indira and Feroze Gandhis Complex Relationship Revealed in Sonia Gandhis New Book

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat November 12, 2026, 2:01 pm 3 min read

New Delhi, November 12: Sonia Gandhi‘s new book, “Belonging: A Journey of Love,” unveils lesser-known aspects of the relationship between her mother-in-law, Indira Gandhi, and father-in-law, Feroze Gandhi. Sonia recounts that Indira once revealed to her that when Feroze developed a “serious relationship” with someone else, they contemplated formal separation after a significant argument. Feroze discussed this with Jawaharlal Nehru, who advised him, and eventually, the couple decided against parting ways.

The book has sparked political debates between the BJP and Congress, but it primarily focuses on the personal lives of the Gandhi family.

Balancing Fatherhood and Marriage Proved Challenging

Sonia notes that Indira Gandhi married in 1942. Five years later, India gained independence, and Nehru became Prime Minister, requiring Indira’s assistance. Initially, Feroze accepted this arrangement, but it soon became a source of tension. By then, they had two sons: Rajiv, born in August 1944, and Sanjay, born in December 1946. As the official hostess, Indira had to travel with her father, while Feroze could not accompany her due to his job commitments.

Dinner Table Dynamics Caused Strain

Sonia writes that Indira’s staff member, Aunty Amy, informed her that during formal dinners, protocol dictated that Indira sit next to her father, while Feroze was placed at the far end of the table. This led to mockery and teasing, which hurt Feroze. Such incidents likely contributed to the growing distance between them. By the mid-1950s, Feroze moved into a separate residence as a Member of Parliament.

In a letter to a friend, Indira acknowledged Feroze’s flaws but stated that her feelings for him remained unchanged. After a few years of marriage, she wrote to him that she didn’t mind where he went, as long as he was happy and informed her beforehand.

Sonia also mentions that Rajiv fondly remembered time spent with his father, noting that sometimes a woman was present at home, though he never named her.

Heart Attack Reopened Old Wounds

According to the book, Feroze suffered a heart attack in 1958, which began to heal old wounds. At the time, Indira was in Bhutan with her father but returned to care for him until he recovered. In 1959, when Indira underwent surgery for kidney stones, Feroze remained by her side. The family vacationed in Kashmir in 1960.

Three months later, Feroze suffered another heart attack, which proved fatal. Indira was in Kerala when she received the news and rushed to the hospital. Feroze regained consciousness briefly before succumbing to a severe cough. Indira held his head up, and in that moment, he passed away at just 48 years old.

‘I Couldn’t Marry Anyone Else’

Sonia emphasizes that letters exchanged between the couple reveal that despite their disputes and separations, their bond remained unbroken. Indira once told Feroze that she could not marry anyone else, as he was the only person she loved. When Sonia mentioned her sister was contemplating separation from her husband, Indira advised against making decisions in anger or sadness.

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Author Profile

Kuldeep Singh Chundawat: My name is Kuldeep Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.