Are you fascinated by how India manages to walk a diplomatic tightrope between Israel, Iran, and the US? In this episode, Amber Ellsworth and Tyler Ashcroft unravel India’s high-stakes balancing act—where every move impacts not just its own future, but the global order.
India’s foreign policy is defined by strategic autonomy: maintaining relations with rival states without taking sides, even during crises. This approach is being tested as the Israel-Iran conflict escalates, with New Delhi striving to protect its interests across defense, energy, and regional connectivity.
India’s partnership with Israel has deepened, especially in defense and technology. Over the past decade, India has become Israel’s largest arms buyer, acquiring advanced weaponry such as Barak 8 missiles, UAVs, and radar systems. This collaboration extends to high-tech, agriculture, and port infrastructure, highlighted by Indian companies operating Israel’s Haifa Port and engaging in semiconductor projects.
At the same time, India’s relationship with Iran remains crucial. Iran is not only a historical and cultural partner, but also a strategic gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia. The Chabahar Port project, developed with Iranian cooperation, is central to India’s regional ambitions, enabling direct access to Central Asia while bypassing Pakistan. Iran has also been a significant energy supplier, and India’s repeated abstentions from anti-Iran resolutions reflect a longstanding diplomatic comfort zone.
India’s balancing act is maintained through calculated neutrality and strategic ambiguity. For instance, India recently declined to endorse a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation statement condemning Israel’s strikes on Iran, signaling its intent to avoid taking sides. Instead, India calls for de-escalation and dialogue, echoing Prime Minister Modi’s stance that “this is not an era of war”.
Domestic factors also play a role. India’s diverse population and economic interests in the Middle East require careful navigation of sensitivities at home and abroad. The government’s measured responses are designed to safeguard both security ties with Israel and economic commitments with Iran, especially as prolonged conflict could intensify scrutiny of India’s impartiality.
The stakes are high. The Middle East’s stability directly affects India’s energy security, diaspora, and trade routes. As the Israel-Iran conflict threatens to draw in the US and other powers, India’s diplomatic tightrope is narrower than ever, with each decision closely watched by allies and rivals alike.
This episode provides expert insights, historical context, and data-driven analysis to help you understand the nuances behind India’s foreign policy. Whether you’re a policy enthusiast or simply curious about India’s global role, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of international diplomacy.
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Timestamp:
00:00 Intro
01:29 The Backdrop
05:02 The Deep Dive
11:05 The Insights
14:32 The Debate
17:40 Wrap Up
Disclaimer: This podcast features two hosts who thoughtfully explore India’s international affairs. While every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of the information presented, we cannot guarantee all facts are error-free. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any organization or sponsor. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. All content is protected by copyright. Thank you for joining us in this global conversation.
