On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a unilateral military strike on Iranian territory, reigniting global concerns about militarism carried out without accountability or international consensus. At a time when diplomatic progress between Iran and the United States was gaining traction, this attack has not only escalated tensions but also exposed double standards in international responses. In this context, India’s role as a potential mediator becomes both a moral imperative and a strategic necessity.

A Reckless Escalation: The Israeli Strike

Israel’s recent assault on Iranian soil has drawn sharp international criticism. The strike disrupted ongoing diplomatic efforts between Tehran and Washington, which had completed five rounds of negotiations in 2025, with a sixth scheduled.

What makes the attack particularly troubling is that U.S. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard testified in March 2025 that Iran was not actively pursuing a nuclear weapon. Her confirmation that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had not authorised any such programme since 2003 casts serious doubt on the pretext for military action.

Understanding the Politics of Escalation

1.     Netanyahu’s Calculated Aggression: The strike reflects a broader pattern under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government is allied with ultra-nationalist groups and has abandoned the two-state solution. Netanyahu’s political record, including his indirect association with the climate that led to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin’s assassination in 1995, suggests a preference for confrontation over compromise.

2.     US Complicity and Rhetorical Contradictions: President Donald Trump’s assertion on June 17 that Iran is nearing nuclear armament contradicts his own intelligence agencies. This dissonance echoes the misinformation campaigns of the early 2000s and undermines international credibility. Such politicised narratives often feed escalation rather than diplomacy.

3.     Nuclear Hypocrisy and Regional Double Standards: Israel’s anxieties over Iran’s nuclear capacity are shadowed by its own undeclared nuclear arsenal and refusal to sign the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). In contrast, Iran remains an NPT signatory and was compliant with the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) until the U.S. unilaterally withdrew in 2018.

This exit reversed years of patient diplomacy and had broader economic consequences — notably for India. The reimposed sanctions have stalled key Indian strategic projects, including the Chabahar Port and the International North-South Transport Corridor, critical for India’s connectivity and energy security.

4.     Gaza and India’s Disquieting Silence: India’s muted response to Israel’s ongoing campaign in Gaza is a notable shift from its traditionally principled foreign policy. New Delhi’s reluctance to call for restraint or reiterate support for the two-state solution reflects both strategic hesitancy and moral ambiguity.

India’s Diplomatic Stakes and Responsibilities

·       India and Iran share long-standing civilisational and strategic ties — from Iran’s support on Kashmir at the UN in 1994 to robust energy and trade cooperation. This support is especially notable given the pro-Pakistan stance of pre-revolution Iran.

·       Simultaneously, India’s ties with Israel have flourished in areas like defence, agriculture, and innovation. This dual engagement positions India uniquely — not as a partisan actor, but as a potential credible mediator in West Asia.

·       Moreover, the safety of the millions of Indians living and working in the Gulf region makes regional stability a matter of direct national interest.

The Path Forward: Reclaiming India’s Moral Leadership

This crisis in West Asia is not merely a test of diplomatic dexterity but a moment to reaffirm India''s historical commitment to peace, justice, and non-alignment. India must:

• Condemn disproportionate military actions, regardless of the actor.
• Promote a return to multilateral diplomacy, especially through forums like the UN.
• Facilitate dialogue between Iran and Israel, leveraging its balanced relations.
• Uphold international law and support frameworks like the NPT and JCPOA.
• Reiterate support for the two-state solution in the Israel-Palestine conflict.

India''s voice still matters — but only if it chooses to speak with clarity, courage, and conscience.