Rising tensions between Iran and Israel and their impact on India

Source: The post Rising tensions between Iran and Israel and their impact on India has been created, based on the article “How India could play a meaningful role in the conflict in West Asia” published in “Indian Express” on 4th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, India’s diplomatic stance urging restraint, and the country’s strategic interests in the region. It highlights the potential risks to India’s energy security, citizens, and economic ties with both Israel and Iran.

For detailed information on Iran-Israel Conflict and India’s stake read this article here

What is happening between Iran and Israel?

Iran fired 200 missiles at Israel this week. This attack follows tensions since April and earlier incidents where Iran launched aerial strikes in response to Israeli actions. There is concern that a strong Israeli response could lead to a full-blown war in the region.

How has India responded?

1. India has urged that the conflicts should not expand regionally and has called for all issues to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
2. Prime Minister Modi met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on September 23 during the UN General Assembly, expressing concern over Gaza’s humanitarian situation and reaffirming India’s support for peace.
3. On September 30, Modi spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, condemning terrorism and stressing the need to prevent regional escalation, secure the safe release of hostages, and restore peace.
4. India has not yet offered to mediate but maintains strategic ties with both Israel and Iran.

Why is the conflict a concern for India?

1. Impact on Indian citizens: There are about 18,000 Indians in Israel and between 5,000-10,000 in Iran. A wider conflict could endanger the nearly 90 lakh Indians in the region.
2. Energy security: The region provides India with 80% of its oil. War could disrupt supply and raise prices, impacting India’s economy.
3. Strategic partnerships: India has deep defense ties with Israel and economic interests in Iran, especially the Chabahar port.
4. Economic investments: Arab countries investing in India might pause or pull back due to instability, harming India’s economic plans.

What are other regional players doing?

1. Qatar: Qatar plays a major role, providing billions in aid to Palestine and hosting Hamas leaders. Both the US and Israel rely on Qatar for mediation. Al Jazeera, funded by Qatar, is influential in the Arab world.
2. Egypt: Egypt has focused on preventing terrorism and addressing the Gaza-Israel conflict. It has pushed ceasefire initiatives due to concerns over a potential refugee influx from Gaza.
3. Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia paused its peace talks with Israel amidst the conflict. Its complicated relationship with Iran adds to the tensions in the region.
4. UAE: The UAE, a signatory of the 2020 normalization deal with Israel, supports regional stability to protect its economic interests and initiatives like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
5. China: China is positioning itself as a mediator, driven by its geopolitical and economic interests in Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It has tried to broker deals, like the Saudi-Iran agreement and Hamas-Fatah talks.

Question for practice:

Evaluate India’s diplomatic approach in handling the Iran-Israel conflict in light of its strategic interests and regional partnerships.