The Hindu Editorial Analysis
21 June 2025
It is still not too late for India’s voice to be heard
(Source – The Hindu, National Edition – Page No. – 06)
Topic: GS 2: International Relations – India’s Foreign Policy, West Asia, Iran-Israel conflict, Strategic Autonomy
Context:
Israel’s military actions in Iran, including drone strikes and assassinations, mark a dangerous escalation in the region. Amid humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and the brewing West Asia conflict, India’s muted response departs from its historic commitment to peace and non-alignment. The editorial urges India to reclaim its voice on the global stage.
Introduction:
On June 13, 2025, the world witnessed a major Israeli strike on Iranian soil, further destabilizing an already volatile West Asia. While diplomatic talks between the U.S. and Iran were showing promise, Israel’s action disrupted the process. Against this backdrop, India’s silence stands in contrast to its traditional role as a voice for peace, justice, and sovereign equality.
Key Issues and Impact
1. Diplomatic Timing and Regional Fallout
- Details: Israel’s attacks came amid active diplomatic efforts between Iran and the U.S., including five rounds of negotiations.
- Impact: Increased instability and risk of regional war, disrupting the fragile peace process.
2. India’s Historical Position vs Present Silence
- Details: India has historically advocated a peaceful two-state solution, condemned unlawful assassinations, and led UN resolutions on Palestine.
- Impact: Current silence deviates from India’s principled foreign policy, undermining its global credibility.
3. Strategic Autonomy at Stake
- Details: India risks aligning implicitly with Western or Israeli interests by not voicing concerns.
- Impact: This weakens India’s image as a leader of the Global South and an advocate for non-alignment and sovereignty.
4. Moral Double Standards in Global Diplomacy
- Details: Israel, as a nuclear-armed state, uses military force while dismissing international norms.
- Impact: Weakens the global non-proliferation regime and erodes trust in multilateral conflict resolution mechanisms.
5. JCPOA and Geopolitical Implications
- Details: The U.S. withdrawal from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in 2018 has triggered Iran’s nuclear program revival.
- Impact: Escalating tensions have global repercussions, including energy insecurity and disrupted supply chains.
Recommendations – India’s Diplomatic Path Forward
1. Reclaim Non-Alignment with Moral Voice
- Reassert India’s principled stand for sovereignty, peaceful conflict resolution, and against disproportionate force.
2. Call for Resumption of Diplomacy
- India should publicly urge the U.S. and Iran to return to the negotiation table, supporting multilateral diplomacy and restraint.
3. Reignite the West Asia Peace Process
- Proactively support a two-state solution, including stronger engagement with Iran and Palestine, based on India’s historical role.
4. Lead Multilateral Mediation Efforts
- Use India’s ties with both Iran and Israel to facilitate back-channel dialogue or promote neutral platforms like BRICS or SCO.
5. Address the Gaza Humanitarian Crisis
- Condemn civilian targeting and offer humanitarian aid to Gaza, consistent with India’s values and its G20 development diplomacy.
Conclusion:
India’s silence on the unfolding crisis in West Asia reflects not strategic maturity, but a departure from its core values of justice, sovereignty, and peaceful coexistence. At a time when global leadership is fragmented, India must reaffirm its commitment to diplomacy and human dignity. It is still not too late for India to speak boldly — not just to protect its interests, but to uphold the very principles it has long stood for.