Not choosing a side and maintaining parallel relations with two conflicting states, like Israel and Iran, and other Gulf nations, has been a key strategy of India’s foreign policy. However, this strategy seems to be facing a test of time, as India’s long-term strategic partners are locked in a deadly conflict, purportedly a war, with the US and Israel colliding to attack Iran and Tehran raining missiles on Tel Aviv to retaliate.

India’s first reaction to the US-Israel attack on Iran appears to have been taken after a thorough review of its long-standing balancing act between conflicting powers. While urging de-escalation, India has neither condemned the US-Israel attack on Iran nor clearly expressed solidarity with Iran over the breach of its sovereignty and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.

Has India Chosen A Side In US-Israel And Iran War?

India’s reaction after the attack on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory missiles targeted toward Tel Aviv and other Gulf countries, and the development coming immediately after Prime Minister Modi’s much hyped visit to Israel, has been read as India choosing a side by many, including Congress leader Sonia Gandhi. But BJP leader Amit Amlviya described the scenario as ‘responsible diplomacy’.

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"PM Modi's visit to Israel was wrongly timed and has completely ripped India off its neutrality on the subject," former Indian ambassador KC Singh said in an interview with India Today. "There's nothing we can do about it now. We are seen in the Israeli corner," he further said.

The reason behind India being seen on the US-Israel’s side is two calls that PM Modi made after the conflict broke out. PM Modi held a conversation with the UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Sunday after Iranian missiles were launched on multiple locations, damaging key buildings, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. The next day, PM Modi spoke to Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu and posted about his conversation with the Israeli PM in English, Arabic and Hebrew.

Notably, no direct condemnations were made over the attack on Iran, nor were any engagements held with Tehran, signalling that India might have moved on from its strategy to engage with all parties and protect national interest first. Tehran is India’s long-standing and key strategic partner, where India has invested heavily to develop the Chabahar port, seen as Delhi's gateway to Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.

Without naming Iran, Prime Minister Modi, in conversation with the UAE President, condemned the loss of lives in the attack. Meanwhile, the UAE President, referencing his conversation with PM Modi, said that PM Modi backed whatever responsive measures the UAE deems necessary.

"During the call, the Indian Prime Minister... expressed India's solidarity with the UAE in all measures it takes to safeguard its sovereignty, protect its security, and ensure the safety of its people," the statement said.

"Although India has not taken any side in the war publicly, India's national interests definitely lie more with the US-Israel and their allies. Thus, a tilt towards them is becoming obvious," tweeted former Indian Army chief Ved Malik.

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Indian Opposition Criticises Govt’s Silence On Khamenei’s Killing

While India seems to be leaving the strategy of balancing ties behind, the Indian opposition parties took on PM Modi heavily, criticising silence over Khamenei’s killing and breach of Iran’s sovereignty. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera called it India's "betrayal" of Iran, Rajya Sabha MP Jairam Ramesh accused the government of "moral cowardice" and letting Tehran down.