U.S.-Israel War on Iran: India's Silence Damages Its Reputation
Since the United States and Israel launched war against Iran, every country on Earth has been affected.
Global South nations have widely condemned Israel, while America’s allies, such as the United Kingdom, have been forced into the conflict.
Pakistan, a regional power, is mediating this conflict to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and prevent further escalation of hostilities.
Against this backdrop, India—an emerging global power and leader among Global South nations—has remained conspicuously silent. As of this writing, India’s position on the war consists solely of calling for a ceasefire and dialogue between the warring parties, with no additional statements made. This stance has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally.
Domestically, the BJP-led government has faced criticism for failing to condemn the U.S. and Israel, particularly from India’s 200 million Muslim population and left-wing political parties.
Internationally, India’s silence has damaged its reputation. Despite maintaining good relations with Iran, Israel, and the United States, India has not attempted to mediate the conflict. On the contrary, despite Pakistan’s open hostility toward Israel, India’s main rival Pakistan has become the focal point of global attention.
India may be the only country in the world that maintains strong relations with all three belligerents—Iran, Israel, and the United States. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has paid state visits to all three countries, most recently visiting Israel just days before the outbreak of war.
Iran is not only a crucial energy source for India but also an important strategic partner. As a member of BRICS—the alternative bloc composed of non-Western nations—India currently holds the rotating presidency of the group. Politically, India and Iran support each other, including in voting at the United Nations.
India has invested heavily in Iran, most notably in the Chabahar Port. Located as the only Iranian port east of the Strait of Hormuz, Chabahar is vital during wartime and is currently operated by India on behalf of Iran. Most of India’s trade with Central Asia flows through Chabahar Port and Indian western ports. If India loses its role at Chabahar, it would seriously undermine its trade interests.
India and Israel have also developed similarly close ties. This relationship stems largely from shared concerns over Pakistan. Pakistan does not recognize Israel and holds hostile views toward it on the Palestinian issue. Among Israel’s rivals, Pakistan is the only one possessing nuclear weapons, which has driven Israel to collaborate with India to contain Pakistan. As a result, India is Israel’s largest arms customer.
However, if the war continues, India may eventually be forced to choose between Iran’s resources and the trade and support offered by the U.S. and Israel. A nation’s “neutrality” is typically maintained by keeping itself outside the conflict, thus avoiding alignment. But for India, isolation is impossible—and neutrality cannot be sustained indefinitely if the war persists.
Source: The National Interest
Author: Arjun Singh
Original Article: toutiao.com/article/1862229493317644/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.