Jakarta, March 21 (NationPress) India's dedication to a balanced approach in the midst of the ongoing conflict in West Asia is evident through its leadership's engagement with all regional players since February 28, maintaining an impartial stance. For many years, India has practiced a carefully measured strategy to navigate geopolitical crises while protecting its diverse interests within a shifting global environment, as highlighted in a recent report.

“The current conflict involving Iran exemplifies this approach. It is founded on India's long-standing principle of strategic autonomy: New Delhi will not be coerced into taking sides; rather, it prioritizes national interests while considering historical, geographical, and prospective factors,” noted a report from 'The Jakarta Post'.

“Although the India-Israel partnership has expanded significantly over the years—especially in the field of technology—New Delhi has consciously refrained from aligning itself with any party in the present crisis. This nuanced strategy is influenced by India's extensive interests in the Persian Gulf and the broader West Asian region, which is home to 10 million Indian professionals and is a vital source of energy and investment,” the report elaborated.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has conducted phone discussions with his Iranian counterpart following the escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran.

Earlier this month, New Delhi also welcomed Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh during the Raisina Dialogue.

“Throughout these discussions, India's message has been consistent: dialogue and diplomacy are the only effective means to resolve conflict,” the report emphasized.

In a speech in the Rajya Sabha on March 9, Jaishankar stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely tracking the evolving circumstances in West Asia. He acknowledged that the ongoing conflict has intensified regional security concerns.

“The Prime Minister is vigilantly monitoring developments. We firmly believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions. Stability in West Asia is paramount, especially as millions of Indians reside in Gulf countries; their safety is a priority for us,” Jaishankar remarked.

The report highlighted the government's focus on protecting its citizens, indicating that New Delhi has already facilitated the return of thousands of Indians stranded in the Gulf region.

In his parliamentary remarks, Jaishankar also pointed out that the conflict has resulted in widespread devastation and the loss of several senior Iranian leaders.

Stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions, he concluded, “It is also crucial that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region be upheld.”