Strategic analysts note 'tilt' in India's West Asia stance
India has maintained that its relations with Iran remain unchanged and pointed to the smooth passage of India-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict
India's leading strategic analysts have acknowledged the perception of a "tilt" in the country's policy during the West Asia war and defended it in the context of national interests.
India has maintained that its relations with Iran remain unchanged and pointed to the smooth passage of India-flagged ships through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict.
However, differences between the two sides were reflected in their official readouts after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's second phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 21 March.
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The Indian statement stressed safe navigation through the Strait, signalling concern without directly confronting Tehran. Iran, in contrast, suggested a quid pro quo, saying India should use its "independent role" to push for a halt to US-Israeli "aggressions" if it seeks free passage.
While New Delhi engaged Tehran to protect its energy lifelines, Iran signalled that these routes depend on its goodwill.
At least four Indian energy-carrying ships have crossed the Strait, reflecting either Tehran's cooperation or India's balanced diplomacy.
India also condemned attacks on "critical infrastructure," a position seen as applying to both US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's actions in the Gulf.
This has been described as "risk-management" diplomacy, avoiding direct criticism of any side.
Former Deputy National Security Advisor Pankaj Saran said India's "strategic silence" has benefited the US, Israel and Gulf countries while protecting its interests and values, partly acknowledging it may signal tacit support.
Foreign policy analyst C Raja Mohan told The Print that India's goal is not to maintain balance between Arab states and Iran but to protect its deeper interests. He said ties with Gulf countries are now too significant to treat Iran as an equal partner, citing the presence of nearly 10 million Indians in GCC states compared to around 10,000 in Iran, along with oil flows and remittances.
This was reflected in External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks about "outrage" in the UAE and Saudi Arabia over Iranian attacks. More than eight million Indians work in these countries.
Raja Mohan added that India must still engage Iran to secure maritime routes, even as its core interests lie elsewhere.
Former diplomat Vivek Katju told The Indian Express that India should have condoned the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei and questioned the timing of Modi's visit to Israel, noting that the perception remains that India is leaning to one side.
