India Walks Diplomatic Tightrope as Middle East Tensions Rise Between Iran and Israel

New Delhi, December 30, 2025 —

India is closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in the Middle East as escalating hostilities between Iran and Israel raise concerns over regional stability, energy security, and the safety of millions of Indian nationals living across West Asia.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has issued multiple statements over the past weeks urging restraint, dialogue, and de-escalation, emphasizing that India maintains “close and friendly relations” with both Iran and Israel and does not wish to see the conflict spiral further.

🇮🇳 A Delicate Balancing Act

India’s response reflects a long-standing diplomatic strategy: maintaining strong ties with both nations despite their adversarial relationship. Over the past decade, India has deepened defense and technology cooperation with Israel while simultaneously relying heavily on Iran for energy supplies and access to Central Asia.

Analysts say this balancing act has become increasingly difficult as the conflict intensifies. Israeli airstrikes on Tehran and Iran’s retaliatory drone attacks have heightened fears of a broader regional war, prompting India to reiterate its call for “avoiding any escalatory steps.

A recent policy analysis described New Delhi’s approach as a “tightrope walk” that prioritizes national interests while avoiding alignment with any single bloc in the region.

🛢️ Energy Security at the Forefront

India imports a significant portion of its crude oil from the Middle East, and any disruption in supply routes—particularly through the Strait of Hormuz—could have immediate economic consequences.

While India has diversified its energy sources in recent years, Iran remains strategically important. Even though sanctions have limited direct oil imports, Tehran continues to be a key partner in regional connectivity projects, including the Chabahar Port.

With global oil prices already volatile due to the conflict, Indian officials are preparing contingency plans to mitigate supply shocks, according to diplomatic observers.

🌍 A Large Diaspora at Risk

More than eight million Indians live and work in the Gulf region, making the safety of its diaspora a top priority for New Delhi. Any escalation involving Iran, Israel, or their regional allies could threaten the stability of countries hosting large Indian communities.

Government sources say contingency evacuation plans—similar to those executed during past crises in Yemen, Lebanon, and Kuwait—are being reviewed, though no activation has been deemed necessary.

🕊️ Calls for Dialogue Amid Global Anxiety

India’s official position aligns with its broader foreign policy principle of strategic autonomy. New Delhi has refrained from endorsing statements that explicitly condemn either side, including distancing itself from a Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) declaration critical of Israel’s actions.

Instead, India has emphasized diplomacy, offering to “extend all possible support” to efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region.

International observers note that India’s stance mirrors that of several non-aligned or strategically autonomous nations seeking to avoid entanglement in Middle Eastern rivalries while protecting their own economic and security interests.

🔍 Looking Ahead

As the conflict shows no signs of immediate resolution, India’s challenge will be to maintain its delicate balance while safeguarding its energy needs, economic stability, and diaspora.

With tensions in West Asia historically prone to sudden escalation, New Delhi’s cautious but engaged approach is likely to continue in the coming months.