- By Raju Kumar
- Tue, 24 Mar 2026 06:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
US-Iran War: India and Pakistan are among the very few countries that share ties with both warring sides - Iran and the US. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Pakistani counterpart, Shehbaz Sharif, both spoke to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and US President Donald Trump to address their interests as the oil and gas supply crisis created havoc in the South Asian nations.
However, the results have not been the same. India has visibly outsmarted Pakistan as New Delhi's diplomatic strategy enabled India to tackle the situation, whereas the neighbouring country is grappling with an acute fuel crisis. The difference in the diplomacy is evident in the fact that premium petrol prices in India rose by Rs 2/L amid the ongoing crisis, while in Pakistan, the premium petrol prices have been hiked by PKR 200 per litre.
Sharif, on March 23, on the 24th day of war, spoke with the Iranian President, promising Islamabad's help in bringing peace to the region. The conversation failed to bring out anything concrete that could help struggling Pakistan.
PM Modi Speaks To Iran President Twice Amid War
Unlike Pakistan's Sharif, PM Modi actively engaged with the Iranian leadership to ensure the safe passage of the Indian and India-linked oil ships through the key Straight of Hormuz. Iran also controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route through which 20 per cent of the world's energy is transported.
Since the conflict, very few ships have been allowed by Iran to cross it. On March 21, PM Modi conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings to the President of Iran, expressing hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia.
PM Modi Condemns Attacks On Critical Infrastructure In Middle East During a Telephonic Talk
In his telephonic conversation w the Iranian leader, PM Modi condemned the attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains, and reiterated the importance of safeguarding freedom of navigation and ensuring that shipping lanes remain open and secure.
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"Spoke with President Dr Masoud Pezeshkian and conveyed Eid and Nowruz greetings. We expressed hope that this festive season brings peace, stability and prosperity to West Asia. Condemned attacks on critical infrastructure in the region, which threaten regional stability and disrupt global supply chains," the prime minister said in a post on 'X'.
This was the second telephonic conversation between PM Modi and the Iranian President since the present conflict started on February 28. On March 12, President Pezeshkian briefed PM Modi on the current situation in Iran and shared his perspective on recent developments in the region.
PM Modi has also spoken to a number of world leaders since the conflict started. These include leaders from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, France and Malaysia.
Iran Allows Several Indian-Flagged Fuel Ships
Iran, citing historical friendship with India, allowed Indian ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. MT Shivalik, MT Nanda Devi, Jag Laadki, Pine Gas and Jag Vasant passed through the critical narrow pass in the Persian Gulf. The development is marked as a big diplomatic victory for India.
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Pakistani Oil Tanker Passes Through Strait Of Hormuz
Iran also allowed a Pakistani commercial oil tanker - 'MT Karachi' - to pass through its side of the Strait of Hormuz and enter Pakistan's territorial waters in the Arabian Sea last week. Compared to India, Pakistan got a permit for only one oil ship, whereas India has five and many more are set to cross the narrow lane in the coming days.
India Resorts To Import Diversification
India, through its diplomatic channel, also achieved success in diversifying its oil amid the Middle East conflict. The US gave a waiver to India to buy oil from Russia to keep the oil prices in check. Whereas Pakistan still primarily depends on the Middle East. India is now importing fuel from 41 countries.
Economic Preparation and Quick Decisions
Pakistan had to resort to a wide-ranging, 12-point austerity programme to tackle a severe economic crisis in the country. Islamabad also decided to hold the Pakistan Super League (PSL 11) "indoors" without spectators due to a severe fuel crisis caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict. However, India is dealing with the situation in a much better way.
(With Agencies inputs)