Can India afford to drop the balancing act?

Seen in conjunction with India's latest abstention on a UN General Assembly vote for a ceasefire in Gaza, which was supported even by close Israeli allies like France, Germany, and the UK, the two statements underscore that the New Delhi-Tel Aviv strategic embrace is becoming tighter. It also dilutes India's traditional backing for the Palestinian cause despite its declarations to the contrary.

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Business Standard

30 minutes ago

• Business Standard

Sonia slams govt's silence on Gaza, Iran, calls it 'surrender of values'

Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi on Saturday strongly criticised India's silence on Israel's devastation in Gaza and Iran as "not just a loss of its voice, but also a surrender of values". In an article - "It is still not too late for India's voice to be heard", she accused the Narendra Modi government of abandoning India's long-standing and principled commitment to a peaceful two-nation solution envisioning an independent Palestine along with Israel. Gandhi, in the article, was also critical of US President Donald Trump for following a "destructive path" in West Asia, after having spoken against America's endless wars. "New Delhi's silence on the devastation in Gaza and now on the unprovoked escalation against Iran reflects a disturbing departure from our moral and diplomatic traditions. This represents not just a loss of voice but also a surrender of values," the Congress leader said in her article in 'The Hindu'. "It is still not too late. India must speak clearly, act responsibly, and use every diplomatic channel available to defuse tensions and promote a return to dialogue in West Asia," Gandhi asserted. She also said that in the face of this humanitarian catastrophe, "the Narendra Modi government has all but abandoned India's long-standing and principled commitment to a peaceful two-state solution, one that envisions a sovereign, independent Palestine living side-by-side with Israel in mutual security and dignity." Sonia Gandhi noted that on June 13, 2025, the world has, once again, "witnessed the dangerous consequences of unilateral militarism when Israel launched a deeply troubling and unlawful strike against Iran and its sovereignty". She said the Indian National Congress has condemned these bombings and targeted assassinations on Iranian soil, which represents a dangerous escalation with grave regional and global consequences. "As with so many of Israel's recent actions, including its brutal and disproportionate campaign in Gaza, this operation was executed with utter disregard for civilian lives and regional stability. These actions will only deepen instability and sow the seeds of further conflict," she noted. Gandhi also alleged that the current Israeli leadership under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "has a long and unfortunate record of undermining peace and nurturing extremism". She alleged that given the record, "it is not surprising that Netanyahu would choose escalation over engagement". Referring to the US President, she said, Trump's statement of June 17 dismissing its own intelligence chief's assessment and claiming that Iran was "very close" to acquiring nuclear weapons is "deeply disappointing". "The world expects and needs leadership that is grounded in facts and driven by diplomacy, and not by force or falsehoods," she said. Gandhi said Iran has been a long-standing friend to India and is bound to us by deep civilisational ties. "It has a history of steadfast support, including in Jammu and Kashmir at crucial junctures. In 1994, Iran helped block a resolution critical of India at the UN Commission on Human Rights on the Kashmir issue," she noted. "Indeed, the Islamic Republic of Iran has been much more cooperative with India than its predecessor, the Imperial State of Iran, that had tilted towards Pakistan in the 1965 and 1971 wars," she added. Referring to the India-Israel strategic relations in recent decades, she said, "This unique position gives our country the moral responsibility and the diplomatic leverage to act as a bridge for de-escalation and peace." "This is not simply an abstract principle. Lakhs of Indian citizens are living and working across West Asia, which makes peace in the region an issue of vital national interest. "Israel's recent actions against Iran have taken place in an atmosphere of impunity, enabled by near-unconditional support from powerful western nations," Gandhi said. She said while the Indian National Congress unequivocally condemned the "absolutely horrific and totally unacceptable attacks" by Hamas on October 7, 2023, "we cannot remain silent in the face of Israel's catastrophic and disproportionate response. "More than 55,000 Palestinians have lost their lives. Entire families, neighbourhoods, and even hospitals have been obliterated. Gaza stands on the brink of famine, and its civilian population continues to suffer unspeakable hardship," she added. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Post

41 minutes ago

• First Post

Op Rising Lion: Israel may have an edge, but peace will still be elusive in West Asia

Iran is more likely to develop nuclear weapons than ever, and it's unlikely that Israel will be able to secure a favourable neighbourhood until the core issue of Palestine is resolved through a mutually acceptable political solution read more It was in the early hours of June 13, 2025, that Israel launched a blistering preemptive attack on Iran, codenamed Operation 'Rising Lion,' targeting the latter's nuclear sites and military installations with the aim of eliminating the existential threat and thus plunging West Asia into a fresh cycle of violence. Giving details of the strikes, an Israeli Defence spokesperson revealed that over 200 fighter jets, including F-35 stealth fighters and F-16 jets, were employed to engage 100-odd targets. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Commenting on the operations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a video statement said, 'This operation will continue for as many days as it takes to remove the present danger to Israel's very survival.' Netanyahu further added that Israeli aircraft struck at the heart of Iran's nuclear enrichment and weaponisation facility at Natanz (the plant produced uranium enriched up to 60 per cent) and Tabriz. Tehran was caught by surprise and did not expect Israel to attack while its representatives were engaged with the US in talks to reach an agreement on the nuclear programme. Consequently, Iran suffered heavy losses, and as per the experts estimates, almost 15 per cent of its missile arsenal was destroyed, including critical air defence systems. Additionally, its several top military commanders and scientists were killed during the opening strike, including Armed Forces Chief of Staff Mohammad Bagheri, 'Iran Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Chief Hossein Salami and Chief IGRC Central Command, Amir Ali Hajizadeh, besides aerospace-nuclear scientist Fereydoon Abbasi. Reacting to the Israeli massive strikes, Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared that Tehran's response would not be 'half measured' and Israel would not be allowed to engage in 'hit and run' attacks without consequences. As an immediate response, Iran retaliated with drones and launched hundreds of missiles in waves at Israel. Its long-feared retaliatory capabilities appeared to be subdued as most of the missiles were either intercepted or fell short. However, some did penetrate the Israeli air defence, causing damage to the residential buildings, besides resulting in civilian casualties. This did have a psychological impact, as the Israeli public has not been used to such strikes for quite some time. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was quick to clarify that Israel has undertaken unilateral action against Iran and America was not involved. However, in an interview with ABC, President Donald Trump described Israeli attacks as 'excellent' and cautioned, 'There are more to come – a lot more' unless Iran agrees to a deal. 'Iran must make a deal before there is nothing left and save what was once known as the Iranian Empire,' he further added. For the US, weakened Tehran is crucial to achieving the desired end state, which encompasses the installation of favourable dispensation. America has provided unstinted support to Israel, even to the extent of helping Tel Aviv to shoot down Iranian missiles, as per Reuters and Associated Press reports. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Over the week, conflict has intensified, with both sides continuing to trade missile barrages against each other. On June 15, Israeli fighter jets targeted Iranian oil installations at Shahran and gas fields in South Pars (the world's largest), which forced the production to stop. A series of strikes were also conducted on the headquarters of the Iranian Defence Forces and Quds Force. In retaliation, Iran fired a fresh salvo of missiles targeting Israeli key infrastructure sites, including oil refineries at port Haifa and Ben-Gurion airport. Israel has been able to inflict heavy losses on Iran and claims to have destroyed around 120 surface-to-surface missile launchers, constituting around one third of Tehran's total holdings. Iran has an inventory of around 3000 ballistic missiles, of which several hundred have already been fired. Israel has been able to establish air superiority, enabling it to conduct air operations with impunity. However, it is costing Tel Aviv hundreds of millions of dollars a day, an economic burden which it can't sustain for long. Besides the recurring civilian casualties, 24 have been killed and over 200 wounded in the Iranian strikes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While the global polity favours an early end to the ongoing conflict, however, no concrete initiatives have come about so far. India too has urged Iran and Israel to stop fighting, as Delhi has close relations with both the countries. Israel has refused to de-escalate the situation, with Netanyahu stating, 'The issue here is not de-escalation but stopping Iran from developing nuclear capability.' Iran's stance is that it will not negotiate a ceasefire while under attack or if America directly enters the fray. Iran finds itself isolated as no ally has come to support it physically. In fact, Tehran had high expectations from Moscow and Beijing. Even the response of the Islamic world has been muted. Iran's proxies – Hamas, Houthis and Hezbollah – have been considerably weakened by Israeli operations over the last one and a half years. Due to the adverse air situation, Iranian losses have been rather heavy both in terms of equipment and human life (639 killed and almost twice the number wounded). Khamenei is facing the toughest challenge in his three-decade rule in the wake of converging domestic and international threats. As per media reports, he has handed over military powers to the armed forces. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Iran has reached out to the US president to force Israel to cease fire. Its foreign minister, Abbas Araqchi, said on X, 'If President Trump is genuine about diplomacy and interested in stopping the war, next steps are consequential.' While leaving the G7 Summit on June 16, Trump confirmed that he had received signals through intermediaries that Iran wants to de-escalate. He told the reporters that 'a real end' is better than a ceasefire. He called to Khamenei to surrender unconditionally. Referring to Trump's warning, Khamenei said, 'Those who know Iran's history, know that Iranians do not answer well the language of threat'. Later, in a stern message, the Supreme Leader stated, 'They should know that Iran will not surrender, and a US strike will have serious, irreparable consequences.' Netanyahu has claimed that his country was on a path to victory. Just hours after Trump's warning to Tehran, Israel has launched powerful airstrikes that rocked Tehran, marking a steep escalation. Incidentally, Trump has laid down a timeline of two weeks to take a decision on US entry in the ongoing conflict. America has around 40,000 troops in West Asia, besides its heavy naval presence. Additional warfighting resources have been moved by the US into the region. After the US warning call to the civilians to move out of Tehran, thousands have fled the city. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After a week-long military campaign, the Israel-Iran conflict is at an inflection point. It is apparent that Israel by itself is not capable of taking out Iran's nuclear facilities. Going by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Chief Rafel Grossi, underground facilities at Natanz and Fordow, as well as the heavy water reactor at Arak (Khondab), have not been destroyed. It is only the US Air Force that has the capability to hit these installations with B2 stealth bombers. Trump has given Iran an off-ramp to yield. In case Tehran obliges, then Trump will have a rethink; or else US involvement in the conflict is certain, which will prove disastrous for Iran, besides widening the ambit of conflict with serious ramifications. To even out, Tehran could resort to blocking the Persian Gulf, particularly Kharg Island – Iran's main export terminal – and the Strait of Hormuz, from where 21 per cent world's LNG and 14 million barrels of crude pass every day. The impact of the conflict is already being felt across the globe with the closure of airspace over West Asia and the threat to the sea lanes of communications in the Red Sea, affecting trade and travel. The crude oil prices have risen by around 9 per cent since the start of the conflict and could spike further if the tensions heighten. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The geopolitical architecture of West Asia is set for a tectonic shift, and America could emerge as a key player. It is to be seen whether Iran will ultimately be prevented from going nuclear or Tehran becomes even more determined to produce the atomic bomb. As per Professor Matthew Bunn, Harvard Kennedy School, the probability that Iran will have a nuclear weapon ten years from now is higher now than it would have been without the strike. Historically, while Israel won all the wars since its establishment in 1948, peace has eluded it. Through Operation 'Rising Lion', Israel will be able to ensure a conducive neighbourhood is unlikely until the core issue of Palestine is resolved through an amicable political solution. The writer is a war veteran, currently Professor of Strategic and International Relations. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD

Mint

an hour ago

• Mint

Israel strikes Iran's Isfahan nuclear site as UN watchdog warns against attack on Bushehr reactor

Israel reportedly targetted the Isfahan nuclear site in Iran as the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors, particularly its only commercial nuclear power plant in Bushehr. 'Iran's Isfahan nuclear site was targeted by Israel, no leakage of hazardous materials,' Iran's Fars news agency reported on Saturday. Earlier, addressing an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council, Rafael Grossi, chief of the UN nuclear watchdog IAEA warned against attacks on Iran's nuclear reactors. He was quoted by The Associated Press as saying,'I want to make it absolutely and completely clear: In case of an attack on the Bushehr nuclear power plant, a direct hit would result in a very high release of radioactivity to the environment." 'This is the nuclear site in Iran where the consequences could be most serious," Grossi said. Till now, Israel had not targeted Iran's nuclear reactors. Instead, it focused its strikes on the main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, centrifuge workshops near Tehran, laboratories in Isfahan and the country's Arak heavy water reactor southwest of the capital, according to the reports. Grossi said Israeli attacks on nuclear sites at Natanz and Isfahan and at the Arak heavy water plant have so far not led to any radiological release. He has warned repeatedly that such sites should not be military targets. He said an Israeli military official erroneously reported Thursday that Bushehr was hit by an airstrike, but Israel then retracted that claim. He said the confusion 'underscored the vital need for clear and accurate communication.' Israeli launched airstrikes on Friday, June 12, hitting dozens of targets across Iran, including nuclear sites, as well as killing several top military commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran called the attack "a declaration of war" and threatened to retaliate by opening "the gates of hell" on Israel. In retaliation, Iran fired hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel in response to an unprecedented attack on its nuclear facilities, escalating a conflict between sworn enemies that threatens to engulf the oil-rich Middle East.