As West Asia teeters on the brink of a major regional conflict, India has stepped up diplomatic efforts to engage both Iran and Israel, signaling its intent to monitor developments closely and advocate for de-escalation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held crucial conversations with his counterparts from both nations, amid mounting fears of a broader war following Israel’s intense strikes on Iranian soil.
India’s Diplomatic Outreach
On Friday, Jaishankar took separate phone calls with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. The calls came as tensions soared after Israel launched airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear sites. “Received a call this afternoon from FM @gidonsaar of Israel regarding ongoing developments,” Jaishankar posted on X, hinting at the gravity of the situation.
Shortly after, Jaishankar also spoke with Iran’s foreign minister to discuss the “latest situation” in the region, according to official sources. India’s balanced outreach indicates its strategic approach of maintaining communication with key regional players while advocating restraint and stability.
Israel’s Strikes Deepen Crisis
On Friday morning, Israel launched a series of targeted airstrikes across Iran, hitting key military installations and facilities linked to its nuclear programme. The strikes reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least three senior Iranian military commanders: General Mohammad Bagheri, head of Iran’s armed forces; General Hossein Salami, chief of the Revolutionary Guard; and General Amir Ali Hajizadeh, who oversaw Iran’s ballistic missile program.
The Israeli offensive is being described as the most significant attack on Iranian territory since the Iran-Iraq war of the 1980s, marking a dangerous escalation in their long-standing rivalry. Iran has warned of a “powerful” response, raising alarm about the possibility of a full-blown regional war.
India, which maintains strong relations with both countries, has consistently advocated for calm in West Asia, emphasizing dialogue over military action. As one of the few global players in direct contact with both Iran and Israel, New Delhi’s engagement may play a quiet but crucial role in regional diplomacy during this volatile period.
