Middle East Tensions: India initially maintained silence after the US attack on Iran, but given the growing impact of the war on the energy and financial markets, New Delhi has intensified diplomatic initiatives.
India adopted this path amid the Iran War.
India's Diplomacy: Amidst the ongoing tensions in West Asia and the gas shortage in the country, New Delhi is continuously taking steps. Amid the fear of an economic crisis, Narendra Modi is negotiating with Iran, while India also wants to maintain good relations with the United States. The most significant example of this is the passage of two Indian LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz has been completely closed for the past two weeks following joint airstrikes by Israel and the United States on Iran. However, only India, China, and Russia are currently permitted to pass through this transit route from the region where the conflict began.
India's powerful diplomacy
India initially maintained silence following the US attack on Iran, but as the war's growing impact on energy and financial markets intensified, it has intensified its diplomatic efforts. India is one of the world's largest importers of LPG, and a severe shortage is being felt amid the war.
While LPG is used as cooking gas, it is also used in industrial activities. India imports approximately 90 percent of its crude oil needs. Consequently, with crude oil prices surpassing $100 per barrel, inflationary pressures have increased. Furthermore, the Indian currency has also reached near its all-time low.
India faces a dual challenge.
While on the one hand India has reached out to Iran, on the other hand, it also wants to maintain strong relations with its close strategic and economic partner, the United States, amid the war.
Earlier this month, the US reversed its previous stance by granting relief to India regarding the purchase of oil from Russia. Previously, the Donald Trump administration had imposed an additional 25 percent tariff on India as a penalty for purchasing cheap oil from Russia. The US is also India's largest export market, and following a recent deal, President Trump announced reductions in some of the tariffs imposed on India.
According to international experts , India is currently pursuing a balanced approach . According to Nitin Pai , founder of the Takshashila Institution ( a Bengaluru - based think tank), the passage of Indian LPG tankers through the Strait of Hormuz is a clear indication that New Delhi 's diplomacy is working .
