- The West Asia/Middle East conundrum is apparently spiraling out of control, even as we witness the worrying unfolding of events where the US/Israel and the Iranian forces are fighting it out over the last three weeks. The gas/oil/fuel supplies are greatly affected, causing the economies of the countries to feel the heat owing to the ongoing conflict. The short supplies of petroleum products have already caused enough disturbances to the global community in more than one way. Despite assurances from the US about ensuring a steady supply of crucial energy products, the Iranian leadership is holding up the Strait of Hormuz assiduously, allowing only a few vessels to pass through. The reduced supplies are a great concern, even for India largely dependent on imports.
PC: HW News
- Make no mistake, the time has come for the global community to join hands with purpose and intent to stop this mindless war, which is only singeing us even more with no signs of abatement. The worrying signs of the war meandering along aimlessly with more destruction in the surrounding region must be bad for all concerned. Can any leader of some stature and acceptance step in to quell the war through statesmanlike impact? Who should be the anointed one to initiate mediation that would eventually enable the war to stop at once through constructive dialogues? Can Indian PM Narendra Modi fit the bill, as is being discussed in some quarters? It’s a tough call. At least one head of govt, Finland’s president, has publicly said so. Let’s dwelve further.
PC: BBC
- Some pundits have mused about this. More importantly, PM Modi ticks all the mediator boxes. Let’s list them. He’s prominent on the global stage. He’s the PM of a country that has friendly relations with all parties – the US, Iran, Israel, and the Gulf countries. Modi has worked hard to take both India-Gulf and India-Israel relationships to the next level. He has excellent rapport with the leaders of these countries. He has not let India-Iran ties suffer, either. Proof: he can talk to Iran to get some ships out through Hormuz. Yes, Trump’s US has been tough to deal with, like for every other country. But Modi’s been clever in a quiet way to bring stability back to the relationship. Nearly done trade deal, Russian/Iranian oil ensured, flashpoints with the US are gone. Positives.
PC: Wikipedia
- Also, India has skin in the West Asian game – one crore Indians in the Gulf, port projects in Israel and Iran, huge hydrocarbon imports, trade deals with major West Asian players, and defence tech deals with Israel. Strategic autonomy has been India’s mantra for decades. Modi has practiced this well – assertive but pragmatic. India has enough cred to talk to all parties. Yes, it isn’t so powerful that its intentions will be suspect – this point is crucial. The West Asia war is being driven by power, pride, and paranoia. But, if backchannels are open, pundits reckon Modi’s voice can be another one – a welcome one for all parties – quietly urging disengagement. Oman and Qatar are thought to be the likely backchannel mediators. Modi can be part of it too. He will be a good choice.
