INDIA MUST AVOID SEEING THE WORLD THE THROUGH LENS OF THE US PRESIDENT

A transactional and unpredictable United States has put India's foreign policy to the test at a time when regional peace and stability have become paramount for the country's progress.

- BY NAMRATA BIJI AHUJA

At the moment, despite a fragile ceasefire, the Iran-Israel conflict is roiling the Middle East, even as Israel's operations in Gaza continue. Meanwhile, the Russia-Ukraine conflict is in its third year. US President Donald Trump has intervened in these conflicts, even as he claimed to have pressed the “pause” button on a potential fourth war between India and Pakistan, a statement strongly denied by New Delhi. Former national security adviser Shivshankar Menon argues that New Delhi's interests cannot be served either by remaining silent or by attempting a balancing act, and that it needs to actively pursue peace and stability in the Middle East.

Warning that US-backed military aggression against Iran to remake the Levant is harmful to long-term peace and stability, Menon says, “Peace imposed through war does not last.” New Delhi must avoid seeing the world through the lens of the US President, he says, calling for nuance in dealing with Pakistan and confidence with smaller neighbours. “Our job is to produce real outcomes, not win popularity contests.” India should be able to offer some economic cushion and security to neighbours. “This policy of abstention doesn’t reflect our interests.” Excerpts from an interview:

Q/ With the Middle East in turmoil and the Russia-Ukraine war continuing, what are India’s immediate concerns?

A/ For India, there are several types of crises. First is the safety of nearly eight million Indian nationals in the region—about 10,000 of them in Iran, including nearly 1,500 students. If evacuation becomes necessary, that is a major operation. Second, the economic impact. If the war spreads and affects critical areas like the Persian Gulf or the Red Sea, shipping lanes may come under attack—as we have already seen with the Houthis. If the Strait of Hormuz is closed, oil prices could skyrocket. If these two wars in West Asia actually join up or spread, then we have a real problem.