Ethics Theory, TLP-UPSC Mains Answer Writing
Q. 1. “In the wake of escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, examine the implications of this conflict on India’s strategic, energy, and diaspora-related interests.” (150 words, 10 marks)
Introduction
India maintained civilizational ties with Iran and supported Palestine while unofficially engaging Israel since the 1960s. The post-1992 balancing act faces new pressure amid escalating Israel–Iran tensions, impacting India’s strategic, energy, and diaspora interests.
Body
Timeline of Escalation
- April 2024: Hamas launched a surprise multi-pronged assault on Israel, killing civilians and sparking a full-blown conflict.
- May 2024 onward: Israel responded with a prolonged offensive in Gaza, causing heavy casualties and a humanitarian crisis.
- Early to mid-2025: Regional tensions escalated as Iran and its proxies engaged directly, culminating in a exchange of strikes between Iran and Israel.
Effect on India’s Strategic Interests
- Balancing ties: India must maintain strategic neutrality—Israel is a key defence and tech partner; Iran is vital for regional connectivity and balancing Pakistan.
- Chabahar port calculus: Escalation may derail India’s Chabahar investment and INSTC plans, which are critical for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
- Defence procurement: Israel supplies over 40% of India’s imported drones and advanced surveillance tech; any disruption may affect modernization efforts.
Energy Security
- Oil imports from the region: Over 60% of India’s crude comes from West Asia. Wider conflict could spike prices, disrupt shipping via Strait of Hormuz, and strain India’s energy bill.
- Diversification push: Tensions may accelerate India’s moves to diversify sources— renewables, Russian oil, and increased deals with the US, Brazil, and Africa. 3. Strategic oil reserves: India may need to release strategic reserves or expand them to mitigate short-term shocks.
Diaspora-Related Interests
- Indian workers in the Gulf: Over 8 million Indians live in the Gulf, especially UAE and Saudi Arabia. A wider West Asian war could endanger lives and remittances.
- Evacuation readiness: Operation Ganga and Vande Bharat Missions have set templates for evacuations, but large-scale movement from multiple countries would pose major logistical challenges.
- Social tensions at home: Escalation may trigger communal tensions in India, impacting internal harmony and foreign policy posture.
Way Forward
- Diplomatic neutrality: India must call for restraint, avoid taking sides, and use its goodwill with both countries to push for de-escalation.
- Energy resilience: Boosting strategic reserves, diversifying imports, and investing in renewables are key to cushioning future shocks.
- Diaspora protection: Pre-positioning evacuation plans and enhancing consular services across West Asia will be crucial for safeguarding Indian citizens.
Conclusion
As Jaishankar noted, “India’s foreign policy is about advancing national interest amidst contradictions.” The Israel–Iran crisis tests this ethos, demanding deft diplomacy to secure energy needs, strategic leverage, and the safety of Indian lives abroad.
