Less than 40 hours after Prime Minister Narendra Modi left Israel, India was confronted with a familiar but challenging diplomatic test. After speaking with Israel Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar in the afternoon, he said he reiterated “India’s call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions”. The attack came when Iran was engaged in negotiations and Oman had indicated that a deal was within reach. Then, too, Delhi had called for “no alternative to dialogue and diplomacy to address and resolve the multiple conflicts in the region”. In both theatres, India’s approach hinges on strategic autonomy: avoiding public censure, preserving relationships across divides, and insulating core interests.

Source: Indian Express March 01, 2026 03:18 UTC