India’s Neutral Stance on Iran–Israel War: As Iran-Israel tensions have mounted higher, the world closely observed world powers’ global reactions. While the world is observing growing polarization, India has been playing it safe by taking a non-alignment. While the position is consistent with its ancient tradition of diplomacy, it is doubtful whether it is a strategic or a perilous decision to remain neutral in the context of so extremely uncertain a war.
India has very intimate relationships with Iran and Israel. Israel is India’s first defense and tech ally, providing key military equipment and cyber security support. Iran, in turn, is central to the energy security of India and gives India important connectivity via the port of Chabahar, linking India to Afghanistan and Central Asia. Being able to stay neutral allows India to keep both these strategic alignments intact without offending either nation.
India’s economy, and its energy economy, would take a beating in the case of an escalated war. A rise in the price of oil due to Middle Eastern volatility has real implications for inflation and fiscal well-being. Neutrality helps India stay clear of sanctions or energy trade embargoes that would damage its economy.
India also recognizes its greater geo-political role. A member of the BRICS and advocate of South-South co-operation, India cannot be a bad example for the preservation of peace and diplomacy. Being neutral in its stance makes it a valid catalyst and defender of non-alignment, a stance loyal to its post-colonial foreign policy doctrines.
Also Read: Will the Iran–Israel War Trigger Inflation in India?
But neutrality has dangers too. Indian inaction might be interpreted as taking sides with either of them or even the other countries of the world’s allies. Critics argue this policy would weaken India’s role internationally, particularly if the war extends or human tragedies intensify. Besides, if India ever needed to take sides in the future, it would be diplomatically forfeited.
India’s neutrality policy in the Iran–Israel war is a conscious diplomacy based on strategic interest. Whereas it helps to maintain big allies as well as economic stability, long-term implications depend upon the nature of the war itself. India has to remain vigilant and responsive, ready to reassess its stance if the situation demands it.
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