Amid Israel-Hamas conflict, India needs to maintain Iran ties tactfully: Ex-diplomats

'New Delhi need not get swayed by speculation that Iran may have played a role in supporting the Hamas attack'.

- RAHUL CHHABRA

In the backdrop of India and Iran inching closer to finalising a long-term agreement for Chabahar Port after narrowing down differences, former diplomats and experts caution New Delhi against coming to conclusions and hastily taking a stand over the speculation that Iran might have played a role in the Hamas attack on Israel that has left thousands of people dead.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already shown solidarity with Israel, but New Delhi need not get swayed by speculation that Iran may have played a role in supporting the Hamas attack, said a former diplomat.

"Diplomacy and trade ties cannot be based on presumptions," he said, insisting that India need not overreact or even form a strategy based on Israel's claims about a distinct Iranian footprint in the Hamas attack.

On the possibility of Iranian role, former ambassador to Israel, Navtej Sarna said speculation is going on, but if it really comes out that Iran is involved, people are not unnecessarily keen to spread the conflict.

"I would think people would be cautious than rash," said Ambassador Sarna, adding that it is not going to be easy to say with conviction that this is at the behest of Iran.