As an Indian citizen who takes his responsibilities seriously, I feel compelled to express some reservations about our country's foreign policy. This letter is written in the context of the current turmoil in the Middle East, with a focus on the military operations conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran.
The India-Iran friendship has a long history that extends beyond mere diplomatic relations. Iran and India have been closely linked through language and culture since the Rigveda era around 3000 BC. One of the most significant aspects of this relationship is the friendship and courage shown by Iran when India was facing crises.
After the United States and Western countries imposed economic and technical sanctions on India following the Pokhran nuclear test in 1998, many countries distanced themselves from dealings with India; however, Iran stood by us, continuing its energy cooperation. Iran supplied us with crude oil on a 60-day payment facility, along with shipping discounts, free insurance, and other benefits. In 2008-09, 16.5% of our crude oil imports came from Iran.
By giving us access to the strategic Chabahar port, Iran facilitated our access to Afghanistan and Central Asia without using the Pakistani route. Iran has consistently supported India against Pakistan in the OIC and other international forums.
Recently, when the Strait of Hormuz was closed, India faced a severe cooking gas crisis. Twenty-eight Indian ships were stranded in the Persian Gulf. Since India depends on imports for 60% of its cooking gas, the common man suffered greatly. So what happened? When the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran, Iran helped India even though India had not taken any public stance on those attacks. It safely transported the LPG tankers Shivalik and Nanda Devi and sent 92,700 metric tonnes of gas to India.
This is the essence of Iran's friendship—a country that did not abandon India in difficult times and supported us despite pressure from Western powers. However, India’s silence on the attacks that its friend is facing today is unacceptable and shameful. The U.S. and Israel initiated violence against them without any provocation. India should take the initiative to facilitate peace between them.
According to reports, thousands of civilians, including 181 children, were killed in the military operations against Iran. Their Supreme Leader was also killed. Institutions such as the 32,000-square-metre, 22-storey Mahatma Gandhi Hospital, built by the Iranian people in honour of Mahatma Gandhi, along with schools and Red Crescent facilities, were bombed. According to the UN Charter and the Geneva Conventions, attacking hospitals, schools, and civilian areas constitutes a war crime.
India remained silent when the hospital named after the Father of our Nation was bombed. What greater insult could there be for the people of Gandhiji’s country?
Iran is a member of the BRICS grouping, with India as a founding member and a leading player in the group. At a time when BRICS is emerging as a symbol of a multipolar world order and an alternative to Western hegemony, it is our country’s moral and diplomatic responsibility to take a clear stand against any unauthorised military aggression directed at a member state.
Article 51 of the Indian Constitution mandates that the nation “promote international peace and security.” However, India’s current silence contradicts these constitutional principles. As Mahatma Gandhi said, “To remain silent in the face of injustice is to be complicit in it.”
The key question that arises here is: Is India a BRICS leader or a country that is yielding to American interests? Is it a superpower with an independent foreign policy or a nation succumbing to Western pressure?
India has always been known as a land of truth, non-violence, and humanity. It is our cultural tradition to show gratitude and loyalty to countries that have helped us in times of difficulty. At the same time, strategic realities must also be considered. I recall that in 1998, Iranian President Khatami spoke at the United Nations, advocating for the idea of “Dialogue Among Civilisations". Following this, when Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited Iran in April 2001 and signed the Tehran Declaration, the central idea was again “Dialogue Among Civilisations". This concept was a revolutionary approach in international diplomacy, offering an alternative to conflict and war and promoting peace and mutual understanding. As a country rooted in that tradition, India can play a greater role than anyone else in the peace mission in Iran today.
In this context, the following suggestions are submitted for active consideration:
As an ordinary citizen, I believe that India should adopt a responsible stance befitting its BRICS leadership, without compromising on humanitarian values. An independent and balanced foreign policy will enhance India's image on the global stage. The world expects India's leadership to be crucial for peace in the Middle East.
With the hope of standing courageously for world peace and justice,
A responsible Indian citizen