With 7 million Indian workers in Gulf countries, contributing over $90 billion annually in remittances, India faces the risk of economic disruption if a Middle East war ensues
Mounting hostility between Israel and Iran presents a complex diplomatic challenge for India, which maintains significant ties with both nations, reports VOA News.
The report quoted Kallol Bhattacherjee, a senior foreign affairs analyst, who highlighted India’s dilemma in the event of a conflict between Iran and Israel. With 7 million Indian workers in Gulf countries, contributing over $90 billion annually in remittances, India faces the risk of economic disruption if a Middle East war ensues.
Umashankar Singh, another senior analyst, underscored India’s strategic relationship with Israel, spanning defense and technology cooperation. Conversely, India shares historical ties with Iran, including a defense pact signed in 2002 and investments in projects like the Chabahar Port.
India faces a delicate balancing act, striving to maintain relations with both Israel and Iran while safeguarding its economic interests and the well-being of its citizens abroad
Despite sanctions limiting oil trade, India and Iran maintain close relations, with Iran’s support pivotal on various security and defense matters. The trilateral corridor initiative, involving Iran, Russia, and India, aims to bolster transport cooperation, with several other countries later joining.
While Indian workers in Iran are relatively few, a significant number are employed in Israel, particularly in caregiving and construction roles. Plans to send additional workers to Israel have been affected by escalating tensions, prompting assurances of protection from the Israeli ambassador in India.
In essence, India faces a delicate balancing act, striving to maintain relations with both Israel and Iran while safeguarding its economic interests and the well-being of its citizens abroad.
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