Israel-Iran Conflict: Time For India To Pick A Side

Amid escalating tensions in the Middle- East due to the current Israel-Iran showdown, the world is watching with bated breath the looming danger of an all-out war. Iran's decision to launch missiles targeting Israeli airbases—a move condemned by world leaders in the strongest terms—has further inflamed an already volatile situation in the region. Israel, as expected, has vowed to retaliate with all its might amid growing appeals from the international community for both sides to exercise restraint.

Amid all this, India - a nation that has traditionally maintained a neutral stance on conflicts in the Middle East - finds itself in a fix as it shares cordial ties with both Israel and Iran. According to political analysts, the time is now ripe for New Delhi to evaluate its position and see whether it can afford to remain silent any longer.

India is no stranger to the scourge of terrorism. For decades, it has been at the receiving end of jihadist violence, mostly funded and backed by Pakistan. From the deadly terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008 to the militancy in Kashmir, India has long suffered at the hands of Pakistan-backed extremists fueled by radical ideologies.

New Delhi’s strategy of staying ‘neutral’ has served it well in the past, allowing it to align itself with major players in the Middle East, which is home to both Iran and Israel. However, the times have changed now.

Iran’s missile strikes are not just an attack on Israel but a direct challenge to global peace and security. Israel - the only democracy in the Middle East - has long been a critical partner for India, especially in areas of defence, intelligence-sharing and counter-terrorism. The two countries also share a common threat - Islamic extremism. It is no secret that many of the terror networks operating in India, especially in Jammu and Kashmir, have found ideological support and funding from similar forces.

Also, despite economic sanctions and growing international pressure, Iran continues to support proxies in the region, including the Lebanon-based terror group Hezbollah and the Hamas militia – both sympathetic to the cause of an independent Palestine state.

India's centuries-old ties with Iran have helped it secure energy supplies from Tehran. The two nations have also signed a 10-year contract for operating the Chabahar Port in Iran. But, the balance of power in the region is shifting rapidly. Iran’s continuous support for its proxies and its links with rogue elements in Pakistan and Afghanistan is a big threat to India's long-term security interests.

At this crucial juncture, when the Israel-Iran war rages on, New Delhi must reassess its foreign policy. The time for ‘neutrality’ has passed. New Delhi must take a principled stance against state-sponsored terrorism and align with like-minded nations that share its values and struggles.

Israel, with whom India has enjoyed decades of military cooperation and intelligence sharing, stands as a natural ally in this battle against extremism. For New Delhi, choosing to stand by Israel is not merely a matter of foreign policy; it is a statement of India's commitment to combating terrorism in all its forms.

Furthermore, as a rising global power, India has a responsibility to uphold international norms. Iran's actions are a violation of these norms, and its support for extremist networks cannot be ignored. New Delhi must strongly condemn the Iranian action of attacking Israel, not just for the sake of regional stability but also for the safety and security of its citizens. As the world watches, India's position will certainly influence global efforts to combat terrorism.

From an economic perspective, India’s energy ties with Iran have been significant. However, India's energy needs have diversified, and its relations with Gulf States like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have also deepened. Importantly, these countries, which are also at odds with Iran, have now become key partners for India, offering strategic investments and collaboration in defence.

By decisively picking a side, India can strengthen its ties with Israel and the broader coalition of nations fighting terrorism while also securing its place as a responsible global power. Moreover, a strong stance could encourage other nations in the region to take India more seriously as a major player in global security.

India has long positioned itself as a robust democracy and an advocate of peace and universal brotherhood. But as the Iran-Israel conflict unfolds, it is clear that extremist forces are not interested in diplomacy. India must now choose its side wisely, and there is no better ally in this fight than Israel—a nation that, like India, has faced the horrors of terrorism for decades.

In taking a stand, India is not abandoning its principles of peace and neutrality; rather, it is affirming them by standing against the forces that seek to destroy them. The message must be clear: India will not tolerate any form of terrorism, whether it emanates from across its borders or from the Middle East. It is time for New Delhi to step into the global arena, not just as a participant but as a leader in the fight against extremism.