External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar expressed India’s growing concern over the rapidly intensifying conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Speaking at a think tank event in Washington, he emphasized India's unease over the potential broadening of the conflict, warning that the region was on the brink of a full-scale war if diplomatic efforts were not urgently pursued. His remarks came at a critical moment, just hours before Iran launched a barrage of missiles towards Israel, further aggravating the situation and raising fears of a region-wide conflict.
Jaishankar reiterated India’s readiness to contribute constructively through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing that communication is a vital tool in preventing further escalation. He remarked, "Don’t underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said and passed on and back, I think those are all contributions that we can make, and we do." His statement highlighted India's belief that, through diplomatic channels, it could play a meaningful role in fostering peace and preventing the conflict from spiraling out of control.
He expressed specific concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Israel and Lebanon, mentioning the Houthis in Yemen, the Red Sea region, and the broader hostilities between Iran and Israel. Such a broadening of the conflict, Jaishankar warned, would not only destabilize the Middle East but also pose serious global security risks. His focus was on the urgent need for regional and global stakeholders to engage in dialogue to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. He also warned that any escalation in the Red Sea region, a critical global trade route, could have far-reaching consequences for international shipping and economic stability.
One of Jaishankar's key points was the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law. While he acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself in response to the October 7 terrorist attack, he underscored the need for caution in military responses. "We understand that Israel needed to respond," he said, "but we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law and that it must be careful about any damage or implications for civilian populations." He further stressed the need for a robust international humanitarian effort, aimed at minimizing the suffering of innocent civilians caught in the crossfire of this escalating conflict.
Jaishankar’s remarks reflect India’s balanced stance on the issue. While condemning the terrorist attacks, he also called for measured responses from all parties involved, advocating for a responsible approach that prioritizes the protection of civilian lives. His emphasis on international humanitarian law and the avoidance of civilian casualties underscored India’s principled approach to the conflict, rooted in its long-standing commitment to peace and stability in the region.
The minister’s warnings come amid growing concerns that the conflict could expand to include other regional actors. Iran’s launch of at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday was a direct retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon and Gaza. The missile barrage has dramatically escalated tensions, with both Israel and the United States vowing to retaliate against Tehran. The risk of a wider confrontation between Iran and Israel, involving Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups in the region, has become increasingly real, pushing the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.
Jaishankar’s call for dialogue and diplomacy is particularly significant given India’s historic ties to both Israel and the Arab world, as well as its strategic interests in maintaining peace and stability in the region. As a major player on the global stage, India’s approach underscores the importance of de-escalation and conflict resolution through peaceful means. His emphasis on communication and diplomacy is a reminder that in times of crisis, dialogue remains one of the most powerful tools for preventing further violence.
As the situation continues to evolve, Jaishankar's comments signal India's readiness to engage diplomatically and contribute to efforts to resolve the conflict. By calling for adherence to international humanitarian law and advocating for the protection of civilian populations, he emphasized the moral responsibility of all parties to prioritize human lives in the midst of this growing regional crisis. His remarks also reflect India's broader diplomatic strategy of seeking to maintain a balanced approach, supporting peace and stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
