US-Israel-Iran War: After UAE Praise, Why Tehran Sees India as the Key to Ending the Middle East Conflict
The escalating conflict in the Middle East, involving direct military action between the United States, Israel, and Iran, has entered its second week with no immediate signs of de-escalation. Joint US-Israeli strikes, which began following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have prompted Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks on Israel, US assets, and several Gulf countries. The violence has disrupted global oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, caused significant civilian casualties, and drawn in regional players, leaving traditional mediation channels strained or compromised.
Amid this turmoil, India has emerged as a surprisingly prominent figure in discussions about potential peace efforts. Recent statements from both sides of the divide highlight New Delhi’s perceived neutral and constructive role, positioning it as one of the few actors capable of bridging the gap between the warring parties.
The momentum began with praise from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Hussain Hassan Mirza, a former UAE ambassador to India, publicly emphasized India’s unique standing in the region. In interviews, Mirza stated that “one phone call from PM Modi to the counterparts in Iran and Israel can solve this issue, can end this issue.” He described India as respected by leaders on all sides, thanks to its strong defense and technological partnerships with Israel, longstanding historical and economic ties with Iran—including energy cooperation and the Chabahar port project—and balanced relations with Gulf states. Mirza argued that India’s credibility allows it to encourage dialogue without being seen as biased or directly involved in the military fray.
Building on this acknowledgment, reports indicate that Tehran itself has recognized India’s balanced approach during the crisis. Iranian sources and statements have reportedly described New Delhi’s stance as constructive and even-handed, especially as Gulf Arab states—once potential mediators—have been targeted in Iranian strikes despite prior informal understandings. These attacks on the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, and others have further isolated Iran regionally, burning bridges with Sunni Arab neighbors and reducing their willingness to facilitate talks.
India’s advantages in this role stem from several factors. It maintains robust strategic alliances with the United States and Israel in areas like defense, technology, and counterterrorism, while preserving deep cultural, economic, and diaspora links with Iran. Millions of Indian workers in the Gulf depend on regional stability for remittances, and India relies heavily on oil imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, giving it a direct stake in de-escalation. Its long tradition of non-aligned diplomacy, even as recent policies have leaned toward closer US-Israel ties, allows it to engage multiple parties without appearing overly partisan.
New Delhi has responded cautiously to the conflict, issuing calls for restraint, dialogue, and peaceful resolutions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar have reiterated the need for diplomacy over escalation, while prioritizing the safety of Indian citizens in the region through advisories and evacuation measures where needed. India has avoided strong condemnations of actions by either side, focusing instead on broader stability and the protection of economic interests like energy security and trade routes.
However, skepticism remains about whether India will—or can—actively step into a mediation role. Its strategic alignments, particularly with the US and Israel, have drawn criticism from some quarters for potentially limiting its leverage with Tehran. Experts note that while India’s multi-alignment policy offers unique access, the intensity of the current war, including threats to global energy flows and the risk of broader involvement, makes any brokerage effort highly challenging.
As the conflict continues with ongoing strikes and retaliations, the spotlight on India reflects a broader search for neutral voices in a polarized region. Whether through quiet diplomacy or a high-profile initiative, New Delhi’s perceived position as a trusted interlocutor underscores its growing influence in West Asian affairs—at a time when the stakes for global stability could not be higher.
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