Israel-Iran Conflict: Implications for India’s Diplomacy and Strategic Interests

Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel. (Image: X)

Iran has made it clear that last night’s air strikes on Israel are now over. Iran’s army chief himself has announced this. Now all eyes are on Israel to see whether any major action will be taken against Iran. Because for the first time Iran has openly and directly attacked Israel.

On the night of April 13, Iran carried out a series of air strikes on Israel. It is believed that Iran carried out these attacks using 200-300 drones and ballistic missiles. Iran’s para-military force IRGC (Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps) carried out these attacks. This is the first time that Iran has openly admitted that it has attacked Israel. Before this, Israel had always alleged that Iran attacked through its proxy terrorist organizations Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels.

Last night’s aerial attack

It was in retaliation to an attack on the Iranian Consulate in Syria’s capital Damascus, in which a top commander of the IRGC was killed.

But the question is whether Iran’s revenge is complete?

Because Iran’s Army Chief Major General Bagheri has announced an end to the operation against Israel. Major General Bagheri said that the IRGC has targeted only Israeli military bases, no residential area or economic establishment has been damaged. Among these military bases, Iran claims that Israel’s Intel Center (intelligence base) and Nevatim Air Base on the Syrian border are from where the attack on the Iranian Consulate in Damascus was carried out.

Also ReadIsrael Iran News Live Updates: Iran launches first direct attack on Israel; tensions escalate – World News | The Financial Express

However, the Iranian Army Chief has definitely threatened that if Israel again attacked, it too would be given a befitting reply. Iran has also announced to end its operations in the United Nations (UN).

World is watching

Now the eyes of the world are on Israel to see whether Iran will be attacked again. However, Israel itself has claimed that 99 percent of Iran’s drone and missile attacks were intercepted in the sky and destroyed. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say that Iran’s attacks have not caused any significant damage except for minor damage to an airbase.

The US Defense Department (Pentagon) has claimed that as soon as the news came that Iran had carried out air strikes on Israel, US air defense systems were activated in countries like Iran and Jordan and missiles including drones were destroyed in the sky. According to reports, the British Royal Forces also played an important role in countering these attacks.

The IDF issued a statement saying that the Israeli Defense Array and Arrow Aerial Defense System, with the help of its allies (America, Britain, etc.), had intercepted dozens of aircraft (drones) and cruise missiles before they could be attacked on Israeli territory. The IDF released a video of the F-35I Adir fighter jet and said that the operation is continuing at Nevatim airbase, and dozens of its fighter jets are still operating so that any aerial attack can be dealt with.

Israel was fully prepared

Learning from the Hamas drone attack on October 7 last year, Israel has made its air-defense system extremely strong, capable of intercepting 200-300 drone and missile attacks simultaneously.

On the attack of April 13, Iran has said that this is not a counterattack or retaliatory action by Iran. Israel has always been under threat from Iran. This time Iran has come out of its shadow. That is, earlier Iran used to carry out attacks on Israel through its proxy terrorist organizations Hamas, Hezbollah and Houthi rebels, this time it has done so itself.

Israel-Iran Conflict and its Impact on India

The Iran-Israel conflict, marked by deep-rooted geopolitical and ideological tensions, casts a long shadow over global diplomacy. Nuclear ambitions and regional dominance are at the heart of this conflict, which has spurred numerous confrontations over the decades.

Also ReadIran warns of ‘much larger’ response if Israel and US retaliates after today’s attack – World News | The Financial Express

An Israeli airstrike hit a building next to Iran’s embassy in the Syrian capital of Damascus on 01 April 24, killing senior commander Mohammad Reza Zahedi and Brig Gen Mohammad Hadi Haj Rahimi, along with five other officers. The IRGC stated that “Iran reserves its legitimate and inherent right under international law and the United Nations Charter to take a decisive response to such reprehensible acts,” Zahra Ershadi, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, communicated to the UN secretary-general.

 Iran – Israel Animosity

“The animosity between Iran and Israel is primarily fuelled by Israel’s concerns over Iran’s nuclear program and its support for anti-Israel groups the Hezbollah and the Houthis. Iran’s support of Hamas is well known, and these Iranian proxies have been waging a war by other means in the Persian Gulf.

Iran, on the other hand, views Israel as an illegitimate state and a close ally of its foremost adversary, the United States. The conflict has seen various phases, from covert operations targeting nuclear scientists to direct clashes in neighbouring countries,” explains Lt Col Manoj K Channan, Indian Army Veteran.

Will it have a direct impact on India?

Channan states “India finds itself in a delicate position, maintaining robust ties with both Israel and Iran. Israel is a major supplier of arms to India and a key partner in technology and agriculture. Conversely, Iran has been a significant source of oil for India and a crucial point in accessing Central Asia and Afghanistan.”

Iran – Israel – Proxies for Global Powers

“The US is committed to support Israel’s security concerns. In recent months, Iran’s relationships with Russia and China have gained new momentum as both these powers seek avenues to influence the Middle East region in opposition to Western powers. Iran’s partnership with these nations goes beyond mere economic cooperation; it extends into military and technological collaborations.

The conduct of joint military exercises, signing of trade agreements in sectors ranging from energy to infrastructure signal a strategic alignment that challenges the dominance of Western influence in the region. This trilateral cooperation will alter the balance of power,” opines Lt Col (retd) Channan.

Broader Implications for India

In his opinion, beyond direct economic and diplomatic impacts, the Iran-Israel conflict influences India’s broader strategic interests in the Middle East. The region is home to millions of Indian expatriates whose remittances are vital to India’s economy. Though not expected at the moment, any significant conflict escalation will endanger their livelihoods and prompt a complex logistical challenge of repatriation.

Also ReadIndia calls for immediate de-escalation between Iran and Israel – India News | The Financial Express

“India’s growing alignment with Western nations, particularly the United States, which staunchly supports Israel, complicates its position,” he adds.

In his opinion the Iran-Israel conflict is more than a regional skirmish; it is a fight to gain global supremacy at the behest of the powers of the US, China and Russia. The ongoing Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and now a third front of Israel–Iran is not likely to augur well for the region as it will be an escalation with no foreseeable end.  The sea lines of communication through the Persian Gulf/Red Sea will adversely affect world trade and, therefore, be an economic cost to the region’s developing nations the region.