India also has to do its bit
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The war launched by Israel and the United States against Iran is continuing, as feared, with serious consequences. The US-Israeli force, which damaged Iran's nuclear facilities and missile systems, has also almost completely eliminated the country's top leadership. In retaliation, Iran launched a powerful attack by sending missiles and drones to Israel and US military bases. The war, which has already spread to the Gulf countries where US bases are located, as well as to countries such as Lebanon and Iraq, is making a huge impact on the global economic and energy sectors. No one can deny the fact today that the war launched by Israel and the United States is in effect against the world. It has not only caused massive loss of life and property, but has also affected international travel and the movement of goods. War crimes are also being committed with increasing frequency. The US Tomahawk missile strikes on an Iranian school killed more than 170 children. New refugee camps have begun to come up. The world is certain that this destructive war, which does not respect the laws of war or international norms, will cost the world many years to pay. One thing the world has realised with the Gaza genocide is that neither law, humanity, nor international institutions are sufficient to stop the aggressors. Moreover, these aggressor regimes are committing astonishing cruelty while maintaining that all of this is an obstacle and an inconvenience.
Trump started the current war without the approval of the United Nations Security Council. The recent statements made by the US President, who established a new mechanism called the ‘Gaza 'Board of Peace’ to undermine the United Nations, even justify war crimes. He justified the attack on an Iranian ship that had arrived at India's invitation and participated in a naval exercise in the sea near Sri Lanka, more than two thousand miles away from the front lines, and the killing of those on board. Beyond that, he also had fun mocking the victims. The unprovoked destruction of an unarmed ship and the killing of nearly a hundred people is nothing short of a war crime. The law and precedent under the Geneva Conventions demand saving the people on board, even in cases where a ship has to be destroyed in war. That is not what was done here. International law has become irrelevant to Israel and the United States. They are challenging the world by bombing schools, hospitals, populated areas and ships. For India, there is no doubt that this is a time to be cautious and proactive.Therefore, within the limits of feasibility, we should be able to play a more leading role in our own interests, the interests of the region, and of world peace. For that, we need to be able to resist American pressure. India is currently holding the presidency of the BRICS group. Even if we accept the argument that we should not take a public stand in the war between Iran and the United States, we should still be able to see the open war crimes of the United States. The incident in which the Iranian ship was destroyed is an example.
India which has assumed the title of guardian of the Indian Ocean, cannot ignore the accusation that it pretended not to see the incident of the destruction of a ship there. Let alone condemning the attack, we could not even express our disagreement with it. The US blockade of Iran's Chabahar port could become a problem for India after next month. On the other hand, this is a time when Iran is showing interest in India. The Iranian ambassador thanked India the other day for giving shelter to an Iranian ship in Kochi on humanitarian grounds. Iran also allowed Indian ships to sail with cooking gas. It is at this time that America is creating problems for us. In this situation, the leadership of the BRICS grouping is entrusting us with some responsibilities. India's assumption of the BRICS chairmanship this year was with a celebration. The war started by the US is having an impact in that regard too. Iran, which became a member two years ago, has made some demands on India as the current chairman of this grouping. These include condemning the US-Israeli attacks, playing a firm role in achieving peace, stability and security in the Middle East, and taking the lead in resolving potential obstacles to energy supply and movement of goods. Although this will not be easy with opposing voices within BRICS itself, we need to be able to make that platform more effective. The proposal to de-dollarize the global oil trade should not be ignored either. There is little reason for us to be inactive at any level. This is an opportune time to play a leadership role for peace.
