India Between Two Fires: How New Delhi Navigates the Israel-Iran Conflict

Manoj Ambat
Jun 18
2 min read

Updated: Jul 9

The Flashpoint: Israel and Iran on the Brink

The ongoing military escalation between Israel and Iran has gripped global attention. What began as covert strikes and shadow wars has erupted into direct missile attacks, drone warfare, and potential full-scale confrontation. With global powers weighing in, the stakes are higher than ever. But one country faces an especially delicate test of diplomacy: India.

🇮🇱 🇮🇳 The India-Israel Strategic Partnership

India and Israel share a strong and growing partnership, especially in defense and intelligence.

Israel is one of India’s top arms suppliers, providing cutting-edge technology like Barak-8 missiles, Heron drones, and air defense systems.
Cooperation extends into agriculture, cybersecurity, water management, and counter-terrorism.
Politically, ties have strengthened under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who became the first Indian PM to visit Israel in 2017.

For India, Israel represents innovation, reliability, and tactical advantage—especially against terror threats and along its sensitive borders.

🇮🇷 🇮🇳 The Historic Bond with Iran

At the same time, India has nurtured deep civilizational and strategic ties with Iran.

Chabahar Port is India’s vital access point to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
Iran once accounted for a significant share of India’s oil imports.
Cultural, linguistic, and religious links date back centuries.
In regional diplomacy, Iran plays a crucial role in balancing Sunni dominance and maintaining stability in Afghanistan and Central Asia.

For India, Iran is not an option—it is a strategic necessity.

⚖️ The Tightrope Walk

So what happens when your closest defense partner goes to war with your critical energy and regional ally?

India has so far refrained from taking sides in the Israel-Iran conflict. This is not indecision—it’s strategic autonomy. India must:

Avoid alienating either partner
Protect its 9 million citizens living in the Gulf
Safeguard oil supplies and shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz
Prevent Iran from leaning closer to China and Pakistan

The message is clear: India’s foreign policy is guided by national interest, not ideological alignment.

🛢️ Oil, Trade, and the Gulf Factor

The Gulf region is the economic lifeline of India:

85% of India’s crude oil is imported, much of it from the Middle East
Any disruption due to conflict could spike fuel prices, inflation, and shipping insurance premiums
The Indian Navy now regularly patrols these waters to ensure maritime security
Remittances from Indian workers in the Gulf exceed $40 billion annually

A full-blown war could have a direct domestic impact on the Indian economy.

🌐 Can India Mediate?

India has global ambitions and rising credibility. Could it play the role of mediator?

It is respected in both camps—by Israel for strategic support, and by Iran for historical trust
India’s G20 presidency, BRICS leadership, and engagement in multilateral platforms enhance its diplomatic capital
However, overt mediation risks alienating partners or failing in public view

India may prefer quiet diplomacy, backchannel talks, and signaling through multilateral bodies like the UN or SCO.

🧠 Conclusion: India’s Silent Strength

India’s approach isn’t passive—it’s prudent. In today’s complex multipolar world, power doesn’t always mean choosing sides. Sometimes, it means creating space for dialogue when no one else can.