India Navigates Diplomatic Tightrope Amid Escalating Iran-Israel Conflict
Image Source: Mint
October 02, 2024: On Tuesday, Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israeli military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a security advisory to its nationals in Israel.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility, warning that further Israeli retaliation would be met with a more devastating response. Israel reacted by closing its airspace, and alarms were triggered across the country. The public sought refuge in bomb shelters, demonstrating the seriousness of the threat. The Israeli military had already anticipated such a strike and warned its citizens, heightening tensions within the country. Israeli Army radio said nearly 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran.
A senior Iranian official said the order to launch missiles at Israel was made by the country’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei remains in a secure location, the senior official added.
India is closely monitoring the situation due to the potential for a “broadening of the conflict,” as expressed by India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
India regards the October 7 attacks on Israel by Hamas as a “terrorist attack” and understands Israel’s need to respond, but Jaishankar emphasizes the importance of following international humanitarian law. He calls for a humanitarian effort to mitigate the impact on civilians, particularly in Gaza.
“But, we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law, that it must be careful about any damage or any implications for civilian populations. Given what has happened in Gaza, it is important to have some kind of international humanitarian effort out there,” he said.
“We are very much concerned about the possibility of a broadening of the conflict, not just what happened in Lebanon but also… to the Houthis and the Red Sea and, you know, to some extent, anything that happens between Iran and Israel,” he said.
“If, as part of that concern, you can end up doing something about it. Again, don’t underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said and passed on and passed back, I think those are all contributions that we can make, and we do,” he said.
In response to the escalating violence, the Indian embassy in Tel Aviv issued an advisory urging Indian nationals to exercise caution, stay vigilant, and follow local safety protocols. This reflects India’s immediate concern for the safety of its citizens in Israel amid the growing conflict.
“Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay close to safety shelters. The embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals,” it said.
Meanwhile, an Indian naval fleet has berthed at Iran’s southern port city of Bandar Abbas for a joint exercise with the Iranian Navy in the Persian Gulf’s waters, according to Iranian news outlet Mehr News.
“The Indian Navy’s ‘peace and friendship’ fleet, which includes three destroyers under the command of Captain Anshul Kishore, has docked in Iran’s Bandar Abbas. According to Iranian Navy officer Captain Masoud Beigi, the naval forces of the two countries are going to hold a joint exercise north of the Hormuz Strait. He noted that the Indian forces on board the visiting combat and training fleet will also tour the cultural and recreational sites of Bandar Abbas during their four-day stay in Iran. The Iranian commander said such reciprocal visits would strengthen the friendly relations between the Navies of the two countries,” the report said.
India’s involvement in the region shows its attempt to maintain a balanced relationship with Iran, despite its concerns over the Iran-Israel conflict. Such military cooperation also helps to strengthen bilateral relations between India and Iran, particularly in maritime security.
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