India seeks diplomatic flexibility amid Iran war
Mar 22nd 2026 · India
New Delhi is engaging Iran, the US and Gulf states to protect trade, energy routes and millions of migrant workers while maintaining neutrality in the widening conflict.
- FM S Jaishankar spoke four times with Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi in two weeks.
- PM Narendra Modi has reached out to leaders in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait and Bahrain.
- India aims to remain neutral while keeping channels open with the US, Iran and Gulf states.
- About 14% of India’s exports to Gulf countries transit the Strait of Hormuz, making shipping protection a near term priority.
- Nearly 10 million Indian workers in the Middle East send remittances that account for 40% of India’s annual remittances.