Dr Puyesh Kant Sharma

Since the Islamic revolution of Iran in 1979, the relation between Israel and Iran has been in loggerheads. At present these two countries are in brink of war after the suspected Israeli warplane bombed Iranian embassy in Syria’s Damascus in April 2024 that killed seven Iranian military men. In response, Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones over Israel. In this anarchical state of affairs, the major powers of the world including India have tried to send clear message to Israel and Iran to stay away from all-out war. India promptly called for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy.

For India, Israel and Iran conflict is not a zero sum game of International Politics and does not results in net benefit for India because India has national interests, strategic dilemma and regional dynamics when these two major powers of West Asia are in state of war. On one hand, India has defence cooperation, technology exchange and intelligence sharing with Israel and on the other India has historical, cultural and economic (energy and infrastructure) relations with Iran. Therefore, India’s positive diplomacy in West Asia under present circumstances has paved way for strategic autonomy, energy security, regional security and most importantly two state solution for Israel-Palestine conflict. As consequence of this positive diplomacy, India has been able to mark diplomatic triumph in International stage.

Instances of Positive Diplomacy: In May 2024, India supported United Nations (UN) resolution on Palestine bid for full Palestinian UN membership which adheres to India’s two state solution for the establishment of sovereign and independent state of Palestine. Besides, India has also signed a long term historic contract with Iran to develop and operate the Chabahar Port in Iran for a decade. This port acts as gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia as Pakistan denies land transit to Indian goods to these countries. Moreover in another diplomatic accomplishment five Indian sailors on board an Israeli linked vessel seized by Iran were released.

With Israel, India reinforces its ties with labour diplomacy since October 2023 as India has emerged a significant labour supplier to Israel. It aims to bring around one lakh Indian workers in Israel. Further, India has doubled its trade with Israel in last five years. Therefore, in the aftermaths of 2023 Israel-Palestine war, India has shifted its foreign policy to balance India’s diplomacy in West Asian region specifically towards Israel, Palestine and Iran which has paved way for India’s positive and successful mediation in the region.

Vision for West Asia: India’s role after October 2023 has taken a pivotal position in West Asian politics as harbinger of peace and stability in the region. The meeting between India’s national security advisor and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu can be seen as positive diplomacy for conflict resolution between Israel, Palestine and Iran. Such conflict resolution is pivotal for India because its economic interests are dependent on energy resources, vital strategic needs and presence of Indians in Israel and Iran.

For India, West Asia is its extended neighbour and envision to act as a balancer to pacify any security threat or violence in the region. With stained relations with Pakistan and China in North-West of India, geopolitical position of Iran is of immense importance to India in matters of security, strategy, energy and trade requirements. Therefore, India has a clear diplomatic vision for West Asia that envisages ‘immediate and unprovoked de-escalation of any violence’, ‘stick to positive diplomatic engagements’, ‘Act West’ and ‘adherence to International law and International institutions’ for a better future of International relations in general and West Asia in particular.

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