Israel-Iran
In a region like West Asia—where history meets conflict and diplomacy dances with religion—India walks a tightrope. The rising tensions between Israel and Iran are once again testing India’s foreign policy finesse. At the heart of it lies one simple principle: avoid getting caught in the fire, while carefully keeping ties strong with both sides. It’s not easy, especially in a region that’s constantly shifting and simmering.
Israel-Iran: A Relationship Marked by Mistrust
The Israel-Iran conflict isn’t new. It’s layered, complex, and stretches far back—since 1929, in fact. Iran (under the current Islamic Republic) has never recognized Israel as a legitimate state, largely because of the Palestine issue. After the 1979 Islamic Revolution in Iran, relations between the two deteriorated rapidly, and diplomacy was formally cut off.
Over time, the hostility deepened, especially during and after the Gulf War. The conflict spilled across the region through proxy wars, involving groups like Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthi rebels—all backed in some form by Tehran. On the other hand, Israel took strong measures to counter these threats, often with covert operations, airstrikes, and intelligence alliances.
Flashpoints: The Ongoing Proxy Wars
West Asia has become a chessboard. The Iran-Israel rivalry plays out not through direct battles, but in third-party regions—each side backing opposing factions:
- Palestine Issue: Iran firmly backs Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, defends its actions as national security, refusing any compromise on its right to exist.
- Syrian Civil War: Iran supports the Assad regime militarily and economically. Israel, concerned about Iranian presence near its border, frequently strikes Iranian-linked targets in Syria.
- Yemen Civil War: Iran backs the Houthi rebels, while Israel supports the Saudi-led coalition. This conflict has further widened the Israel-Iran divide, even drawing in other Arab countries.
The bigger twist? Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, traditionally no friends of Israel, are now warming up to it—thanks to shared fears of Iran. This informal alliance, sparked by the Abraham Accords, is redrawing the West Asian map.
India-Iran Relations: A Delicate Balancing Act
India shares deep civilizational and energy ties with Iran. The Chabahar Port project is a cornerstone of India’s westward connectivity plans, bypassing Pakistan to reach Afghanistan and Central Asia. Iran is also a key energy partner, although U.S. sanctions have made imports from Iran tricky in recent years.
Despite geopolitical headwinds, India has always valued Iran’s strategic location and influence in the region. Iran’s goodwill in the Shia world also matters to India, especially when it comes to managing domestic harmony and external diplomacy with Muslim-majority nations.
India’s West Asia Policy: Smart, Strategic, and Sile
India doesn’t take sides. That’s the hallmark of its West Asia policy. Whether it’s Israel, Iran, Saudi Arabia, or the UAE, New Delhi focuses on mutual benefit, trade, energy security, and people-to-people connections.
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Some key features of India’s policy:
- Strategic Autonomy: India avoids military alliances and aligns only when it serves national interest.
- Energy Diplomacy: India imports a large share of its crude oil from the region—so stability matters.
- Balanced Engagement: While India has deepened ties with Israel in defense and tech, it has also maintained cultural and historical warmth with Iran.
- Diaspora Factor: Over 8 million Indians live in the Gulf. Any conflict in the region could directly impact their safety and remittances.
Conclusion: Treading Carefully, Staying Firm
India’s approach to the Israel-Iran conflict is a masterclass in non-alignment 2.0. It knows that taking sides would hurt its broader interests. Instead, India focuses on dialogue, development, and diplomacy.
In a world of shifting sands, India’s West Asia policy remains a story of balance—where old friendships, new opportunities, and regional complexities all converge. The coming years will test how long that balance can be maintained, especially as regional tensions flare. But if there’s one thing India has shown, it’s the art of walking the middle path without losing direction.
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