US Media: India is "Walking a Tightrope" in the Middle East Conflict

What are the strategic considerations behind Modi’s request for aid from Iran?

Reference News Network, March 21: According to the U.S. Atlantic Monthly website on March 20, three weeks after the outbreak of conflict ravaging the Middle East, India is walking on thin ice in this war — arguably more cautiously than any other country in the world. The Indian government is skillfully balancing long-term alliances with urgent economic needs. If Modi mishandles the situation, he could face strong domestic opposition.

The report states that after Modi personally requested Iran, two shipments of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking and vehicle fuel have arrived in India, with more expected in the coming days.

For Prime Minister Modi, these supplies are crucial for the well-being of his people and also relate to whether his party can win the upcoming elections.

Shashwat Kumar, an India expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said, “The Indian government will mobilize all possible resources and make every effort to ensure more ships arrive, to avoid harming itself.”

So, how did India secure support from Iran? Modi previously sought to curry favor with Netanyahu, and in recent days, he has posted a series of messages on social media condemning attacks on Gulf countries and urging “free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.”

This remains an unresolved issue. According to local media, India provided medical aid to Iran this week. In recent years, India has been one of Iran’s largest trading partners.

Besides public dissatisfaction over LPG shortages, Modi may also face a dilemma: India’s people take pride in its history of not aligning with global powers — some believe Modi’s strengthening ties with Israel and even the United States threaten this stance.

Kumar said, “U.S. military actions have never been popular in India.” (Compiled by Ge Xuelai)