India Voices Deep Concern Over Escalating Iran-Gulf Tensions, Calls for Diplomatic Solutions
India has expressed profound concern regarding the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region, the government announced on Saturday. This statement came hours after a joint military action by the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by Iran's retaliatory targeting of Gulf states where Washington maintains military assets.
Balancing Act: Sovereignty and Civilian Safety
In a carefully calibrated response, the Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the critical importance of protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states. Simultaneously, India stressed the urgent need to ensure the safety of civilians in a region that is home to a nearly 10-million-strong Indian diaspora. The government's statement underscored that dialogue and diplomacy must be actively pursued to de-escalate tensions and address the underlying issues fueling the conflict.
"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians," stated the MEA. Indian missions across the Gulf are in close contact with Indian nationals, having issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant and adhere to local security guidance. Reports indicate there are close to 40,000 Indian citizens in Israel and between 6,000 to 10,000 in Iran.
High-Level Diplomatic Outreach
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in urgent diplomatic communications to convey India's position. He spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, and Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, to express deep concern and reiterate India's call for dialogue and diplomacy. Later in the evening, Jaishankar also contacted his counterparts from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain, seeking their cooperation in ensuring the well-being and security of the Indian community residing in their nations.
Navigating Complex Strategic Partnerships
India finds itself navigating a delicate diplomatic tightrope amid these escalating tensions. The nation maintains steady ties with Iran, rooted in shared regional interests, while simultaneously experiencing a significant improvement in its critical relationship with the United States after a period of turbulence. This balancing act is further complicated by reports that the US and Israel may be seeking to precipitate a regime change in Iran.
The recent attack on Iran occurred barely 48 hours after a bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During their discussions, which touched upon US-Iran tensions, Modi offered India's support for any efforts towards a peaceful resolution. "Peace and security in West Asia is directly linked to India's security interests," Modi stated during his visit, highlighting the region's strategic importance.
Critical Economic and Strategic Stakes
The Gulf region holds immense significance for India on multiple fronts:
- It is one of India's most reliable and significant sources of oil and gas.
- The Indian diaspora in the GCC countries is a major priority for the government and represents one of the largest sources of remittances for India.
- The Gulf Cooperation Council nations—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates—collectively form India's largest trading partner bloc.
While India has deepened its strategic partnership with Israel over the past decade, its relationships with Gulf states have also undergone a complete transformation. India now maintains strategic partnerships with five of the six GCC countries, expanding cooperation beyond traditional energy trade into critical domains like defence, security, investment, connectivity, and technology.
Regional Projects and Long-Term Partnerships at Risk
India is particularly worried about the potential impact of a full-blown regional war on major infrastructure projects. The India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC) has already faced delays due to instability in West Asia, and further conflict could severely jeopardize its progress. During his Israel visit, Modi emphasized that both countries would advance with renewed momentum on initiatives like IMEEC and the India–Israel–UAE–USA (I2U2) grouping to promote regional connectivity.
Iran remains a key regional partner for India, a relationship New Delhi has sustained despite external pressures. In January this year, India joined China, Pakistan, and four other nations in voting against a UN Human Rights Council resolution that condemned Iran's crackdown on protests. Indian authorities assert that maintaining a functional relationship with Iran is in the national interest, particularly due to the strategic Chabahar port. India has assisted in developing this port to gain access to Central Asia and Afghanistan, bypassing Pakistan, though US sanctions have recently complicated this project.
