Context:

• The West Asia war, intensified by the U.S. sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, has begun affecting South Asia directly.
• The conflict is disrupting trade, travel, fuel, food supplies, fertilizers, and the safety of millions of South Asian citizens working in the region.
• With about 25 million South Asians living in West Asia, including 10 million Indians, and many seafarers operating near the Strait of Hormuz, the crisis poses significant economic and security challenges for the region.
• This article highlights how the escalating West Asia conflict is reshaping India’s neighbourhood diplomacy, affecting regional security, energy supplies, and maritime stability, while testing India’s ability to maintain a balanced foreign policy.

India’s Response to the West Asia Conflict

• India’s initial response to the U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran and the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei differed from many South Asian countries.
• Nations such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives quickly issued condolences or statements criticising the attacks.
• India’s reaction appeared cautious and delayed. It took several days for the Foreign Secretary to visit the Iranian Embassy, and later statements expressed grief over civilian casualties but avoided direct criticism of the U.S. or Israel.
• Concerns Over Norms and Regional Perceptions
  • The killing of an elderly religious leader raised questions about international norms and cultural sensitivities in the region.
  • India’s condemnation of Iran’s retaliatory actions without criticism of the initial strikes created perceptions of imbalance.
  • India’s position may partly reflect its strengthening ties with Israel, highlighted by the Prime Minister’s visit shortly before the conflict and statements expressing support for Israel.
  • Experts argue that India should recalibrate its stance to maintain its traditional policy of balanced engagement with all West Asian countries, which has historically helped preserve trust and goodwill across the region.
• Regional Reaction to the IRIS Dena Incident
  • The U.S. attack on the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka shocked many in South Asia.
  • The Indian Navy assisted Sri Lanka in rescue operations and offered safe harbour to Iranian ships, though the absence of formal condolences for the sailors raised questions.

Regional, and Maritime Security Challenges for India

• Challenge to India’s Role as a Security Provider - The U.S. sinking of the Iranian warship IRIS Dena near Sri Lanka has raised questions about India’s role as a net security provider in the Indian Ocean region, particularly given its partnership with the U.S. in the Quad.
• Strengthening Regional Security Platforms - India may need to reinforce maritime cooperation through organisations such as the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), the Colombo Security Conclave, and the Information Fusion Centre–Indian Ocean Region (IFC-IOR).
• Importance of Regional Connectivity and Cooperation - Greater regional trade, connectivity, and energy-sharing arrangements are essential to strengthen South Asia’s resilience to geopolitical shocks.
• Managing Global and Strategic Partnerships - As the current Chair of the Quad, India is expected to host a summit later this year during a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Multiple Crises Shaping South Asia

• Economic and Supply Chain Pressures - South Asia has faced several shocks since 2020, including COVID-19, India–China tensions, the Russia–Ukraine war, global supply chain disruptions, tariff policies affecting exports, and technological disruptions such as artificial intelligence.
• Youth Discontent and Political Change - Economic stress and unemployment have triggered youth-led protests and political change across the region, including the rise of a Gen-Z-led government in Nepal and political shifts within India itself.
• Impact on India’s Neighbourhood Diplomacy - These political changes have compelled India to adjust its regional diplomacy, engaging new leadership that may be less closely aligned with New Delhi.

Need For An “All-Of-Region” Approach

• As the West Asia conflict deepens energy shortages, countries such as Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives have sought fuel supplies from India.
• Nepal and Bhutan may also require assistance if disruptions worsen.
• India must adopt an “all-of-region” approach to crises to avoid situations like 2021, when domestic needs forced a temporary halt in vaccine exports to neighbouring countries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Restoring Balance in India’s West Asia Diplomacy

• India will host the BRICS Summit in 2026, bringing together members such as Iran and the UAE, whose relations are currently strained due to the West Asia conflict.
• This presents a diplomatic challenge for New Delhi to build consensus while highlighting South Asia’s economic and security concerns.
• To safeguard regional stability and its broader interests, India needs to restore its traditional balanced approach in West Asia, maintaining constructive ties with all sides rather than aligning too closely with any one bloc.