US-Israel Strikes on Iran: India Urges Restraint Amid Escalation
A Precarious Balance for New Delhi
India has called for immediate de-escalation and restraint from all parties following major joint military strikes launched by the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28, 2026. The rapidly escalating conflict places New Delhi in a delicate diplomatic position, forcing it to navigate its strategic partnerships with Washington and Tel Aviv while preserving crucial ties with Tehran. The situation tests India's long-standing policy of strategic autonomy, with significant implications for its energy security, defense relationships, and the safety of millions of its citizens working across West Asia.
Operation Epic Fury Unfolds
The coordinated military action began with a series of missile and airstrikes on several Iranian cities, including Tehran, Isfahan, Qom, and Karaj. The US Department of War named its part of the assault 'Operation Epic Fury', while Israel codenamed its mission 'Roaring Lion'. US President Donald Trump announced that the objective was to destroy Iran's military and missile capabilities and prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this, stating the strikes were meant to remove an "existential threat" posed by the "terror regime in Iran." Key targets included the compound of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which satellite imagery showed was heavily damaged, alongside the Ministry of Defence and facilities linked to Iran's nuclear program.
Iran's Swift Retaliation
Iran responded almost immediately, launching dozens of ballistic missiles at targets across the Middle East. The retaliatory strikes targeted several US military installations, including the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the US 5th Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, and bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. Air-raid sirens were activated in multiple countries hosting American forces. Iran's Supreme National Security Council condemned the US-Israeli attack as a "brutal air operation" and vowed that its military would respond with all available resources. The swift escalation led to airspace closures and heightened volatility in global oil markets.
India's Calibrated Diplomatic Response
India's reaction has been carefully measured. The Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement urging a return to diplomacy and dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing deep concern over the escalation and reiterating the need for regional stability. New Delhi's primary focus has been on the safety of its large diaspora in the region. The government issued travel advisories for its nationals and launched 'Operation Sindhu' to facilitate the evacuation of citizens. So far, special chartered flights have brought home 1,428 Indians from Iran.
The Strategic Stakes for India
The conflict presents a multifaceted challenge for India. The nation imports the majority of its crude oil, and any disruption in the Strait of Hormuz could have severe economic consequences. Simultaneously, India maintains a robust and growing defense partnership with Israel, which is a key supplier of advanced military technology. Furthermore, India has invested significant diplomatic and economic capital in Iran's Chabahar port, a project central to its connectivity ambitions with Afghanistan and Central Asia. The presence of millions of Indian workers across the Gulf region adds another layer of complexity, making their safety a top priority.
Global Reactions Vary Widely
International responses to the military action have been divided. China's foreign ministry strongly condemned the strikes, stating they escalate tensions and called for an immediate ceasefire. In contrast, Ukraine's foreign ministry expressed that the strikes were justified to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear weapons. Other regional powers, including Turkey and Saudi Arabia, voiced grave concern over the potential for a wider war, urging restraint. The United Nations Secretary-General described the strikes as a "dangerous escalation," and the UN Security Council convened an emergency meeting at Iran's request.
Analysis of the Escalation
The US-Israeli operation marks a significant escalation in a long-simmering shadow war. The direct targeting of Iranian sovereign territory, including its nuclear facilities and leadership compounds, crosses a major red line. While the US stated its goal was not regime change but the neutralization of threats, the scale of the attack suggests a broader strategic objective. Iran's willingness to retaliate directly against US military assets demonstrates its resolve, pushing the entire region closer to a full-scale conflict. For India, the crisis is a real-world test of its ability to maintain an independent foreign policy while balancing competing interests among its powerful partners.
A Path Forward Amid Uncertainty
The immediate future remains highly uncertain. The key question is whether diplomatic channels can de-escalate the situation or if the cycle of attack and retaliation will continue. India, along with other neutral global powers, will likely continue to push for a return to negotiations. However, its room for maneuver could shrink if the conflict expands. New Delhi's balancing act is contingent on the decisions made in Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran, as it works to protect its citizens, secure its energy supplies, and maintain stability in a region vital to its interests.
