India has said it is concerned about the Iran-Israel escalation and has advised both nations to exercise restraint. The tension must be resolved through “dialogue & diplomacy”, the foreign ministry has said, balancing two crucial diplomatic ties. .
Since late last evening, Iran — which backs Palestine — has launched a drone attack on Israel amid the latter’s war on Hamas. The Israeli military said most of the 200-plus ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and attack drones, were intercepted with the help of Israel’s allies before landing. Teheran said it was an act of “self-defence” after Iran’s diplomatic mission in Damascus was targeted.
Calling the situation a “humanitarian” tragedy, New Delhi said it is seriously concerned about the escalation of hostilities which threatens the peace and security in the region.
“We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation… It is vital that security and stability are maintained in the region,” the ministry has said in a statement.
India shares strong ties with Israel, with which it has cooperation in multiple fields — from defence to technology. PM Modi has visited Israel in 2018 and his personal chemistry with PM Netanyahu is very good.
India’s positive relationship with Iran is far older.
India and Iran concluded a defence pact in 2002. India was Iran’s second-largest importer of oil before the sanctions were imposed over its controversial nuclear programme. For four years, India has not been able to buy oil from Iran, but the two had remained close. Earlier this year, foreign minister S Jaishankar went for a visit to Iran, where India is invested in building the Chabahar port.
While India does not consider Hamas a terrorist organisation, the attack on Israel which triggered retaliation, was considered a terrorist attack.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi — the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Israel in 2018 — had described it as a “terrorist act” through a tweet. Through this, India has given a clear message that it is with Israel against terrorism.
At the same time, India has been raising its voice regarding the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza. New Delhi, which has been advocating a two-state solution, continues to help the Palestinians.
