India Navigates Complex Ties With Israel, Iran, and China

India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is actively pursuing a delicate balancing act in its foreign policy, seeking to maintain strategic relationships with both Israel and Western nations while simultaneously engaging with Iran, Russia, and China. This approach aims to preserve India's maneuverability amidst escalating global power rivalries.

The policy was particularly evident at the BRICS summit in New Delhi, which convened leaders from countries with divergent stances on major international conflicts, including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. For Modi, the summit presented a fresh challenge to his diplomatic strategy.

Modi has previously expressed strong support for Israel, condemning the October 7th Hamas attack and emphasizing the need to combat terrorism. However, India has no intention of severing ties with Iran. Modi recently met with Iranian leadership to discuss the Middle East situation, stressing the importance of dialogue and diplomacy for resolving international disputes. He also highlighted issues crucial to Tehran, such as freedom of navigation, maritime trade, and sailor safety.

This dual approach allows New Delhi to maintain a security and technology partnership with Israel while preserving working relations with Iran, a vital energy and regional partner, as well as a member of BRICS. Concurrently, China's President Xi Jinping's return to India after a seven-year hiatus is significant. Despite strained relations following a 2020 border clash, both countries have been gradually restoring ties, including direct flights and trade, though territorial disputes persist.

China has expressed a desire for partnership with India, emphasizing mutual success and long-term strategic cooperation. India's foreign policy strategy is being compared to a modern version of the Non-Aligned Movement during the Cold War, as New Delhi avoids aligning with any single bloc and seeks cooperation with multiple power centers. Modi stated at the summit's opening that BRICS is not anti-Western but aims to strengthen developing economies.

Ultimately, India is striving to maintain relationships across diverse geopolitical lines: cooperating with the US and Israel, sourcing energy from Russia, engaging in dialogue with Iran, and improving ties with China. This strategy enables India to retain maximum freedom of action on the global stage without being forced to choose sides.