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What began as a proxy battlefield in Syria, Lebanon, and Gaza is now veering toward full-scale war. Iran’s recent threats, Israel’s pre-emptive strikes, and spiraling retaliations have set the region on fire. Now, with President Donald Trump back in the White House, the rhetoric from Washington has sharpened dramatically. In a characteristically bold tone, Trump has hinted not only at unwavering U.S. support for Israel but at a possible regime change in Tehran — a chilling déjà vu of the 2003 Iraq playbook, but with far more dangerous consequences.
Russia and China, notably, have remained silent — strategically so. Europe’s voice is fractured. Arab states are divided between fear and schadenfreude. The Global South, meanwhile, watches — powerless and unconsulted, despite the looming global fallout.
Amid this silence, India must speak.
At this very moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is attending the G7 Summit in Italy. His presence gives him a powerful global platform — and a rare opportunity. India must no longer stand in the shadows of big-power geopolitics. With deep ties to both Iran and Israel, and its growing stature as a global power, India is uniquely positioned to intervene for peace.
India’s relations with Iran go far beyond oil. From the Chabahar port to cultural and historical bonds, New Delhi has always engaged Tehran with mutual respect. With Israel, the strategic embrace is wide open — defence, technology, intelligence, and agriculture are key areas of deep cooperation.
This rare credibility on both sides is a strength no other major power can claim. But diplomatic capital is only meaningful if used.
It is time for India to propose and lead a peace initiative — not with mere platitudes, but with bold moves:
- Call for an immediate ceasefire backed by neutral nations from the Global South — India, Brazil, South Africa, Indonesia.
- Host backchannel dialogue in New Delhi, offering a trusted, non-Western venue.
- Propose a G20 emergency session, reminding the world that this conflict affects global security, energy, and economy — not just West Asia.
This is not about taking sides. It is about stopping a spiral.
A full-blown Israel-Iran war will choke the Strait of Hormuz, trigger oil shocks, paralyze global trade, and unleash a refugee crisis across the Middle East and beyond. Communal tensions will ripple through Asia, including within India. Inflation, food shortages, and economic instability will follow.
President Trump’s hardline stance is no surprise. His America is blunt, transactional, and unapologetically pro-Israel. That leaves the world searching for a mediator with nuance. India must step into that role — not to challenge the U.S., but to offer a stabilizing counterbalance in an increasingly polarized world.
Silence now would not be neutrality. It would be negligence.
The Global South cannot afford to watch from the sidelines as great powers clash. India, as the voice of billions and the world’s largest democracy, must lead with moral clarity and strategic foresight.
Modi must seize this moment. At the G7, he should speak — not with ambiguity, but with urgency. Call out the danger. Offer a solution. Lead a global call for restraint and resolution.
In this crisis, history will remember not just who fired missiles — but who raised their voice when it mattered.
A war is coming.
It can still be stopped.
But only if someone dares to try.
And if not India — then who?
Mohan Murti
Advocate & International Industry Arbitrator
Firmer Managing Director-Europe
Reliance Industries Ltd
Germany
Member of Supervisory Board,
Innoplexus Ag, Germany
These pieces are being published as they have been received – they have not been edited/fact-checked by ThePrint.