“India’s Neutrality Safeguards Its Global Position In War Times”
Dr. Jitendra Kumar, Assistant Professor of Political Science in Lucknow University, says that India has never been a complete supporter or a complete opponent of any country. His views:
The uneasy truce between Iran and Israel, which was escalated by the use of military power by America, is a matter of concern for West Asia as well as the entire world. The situation can trigger again at any point of time. Since India’s stance has always been neutral with most of the third world and western countries and it has always been in favour of solving problems through peace and dialogue, it would always advocate that the horrors of war should not be destructive and the relations between different countries along with international trade should not turn bitter.
With a new and more committed leadership since the past decade, India aspires to become a leading global power, it is prioritizing its strategic autonomy and non-alignment. India is also avoiding getting embroiled in any conflict that does not serve its direct national interests thus further strengthening its neutral stance.
Any global conflict presents India with tough choices — balancing energy security, economic stability and its delicate diplomacy between Israel and Iran (in the recent case). Though India is moving towards a diversified energy portfolio, including renewables, oil and gas also has significant importance for our country and economy. Thus, maintaining friendly relations with Iran and other Gulf countries ensures long-term access to energy sources; hence destabilization of West Asia can never be in our interest.
Our neutral stance also establishes India as a reliable ally or leader that is able to engage with all parties that also have diversified interests and ambitions. It also enhances its potential role as a mediator in regional conflicts and empowers it in multilateral forums such as the United Nations Security Council.
Our continued neutrality not only ensures a stable defense relationship with Israel, allowing access to cutting-edge military and cybersecurity technology, it also leaves the door open for future defense or trade cooperation with Iran if international dynamics change. Chabahar port, which is a strategically important project between India and Iran, is the best example of our renewed global stance in the recent past.
India also avoids alienating major powers such as the US, Russia and the EU, which are deeply divided over Middle East politics. Neutrality safeguards India’s global position as well as advances its vision of a multipolar, balanced world order. Ultimately, India would like to see the crisis between Iran and Israel dissipate soon and it is also in continuous dialogues with both these countries along with the other giants like USA, Russia and China.
Strategic autonomy has been prioritized by India as opinions are divided over Iranian nuclear activities in the Middle East itself. India will not want to be drawn into bloc-based confrontations thus, it works on a bilateral basis with its Middle East partners to develop trust and enhance its interests.
As told to Rajat Rai
