Opposition Criticizes Government Amid Iranian Turmoil
The Indian government finds itself under increasing pressure following its silence regarding the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and members of his family, including his granddaughter, on February 28, 2026. Opposition parties have accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration of failing to issue condolences or condemn the U.S.-Israeli missile strikes that led to this tragic loss of life. The external affairs minister made contact with his Iranian counterpart on the same day, but no official statement was released concerning India’s position on the significant escalation in violence.
Recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes targeted various civilian infrastructure sites in Iran, including a girls’ primary school and hospitals, resulting in the deaths of approximately 150 individuals and causing injuries to many more. The World Health Organization’s chief expressed deep concern over these actions, underscoring the humanitarian crisis looming in the region. Nevertheless, India’s lack of response has prompted questions from former diplomats and continues to spark debates in political circles.
Context and India’s Historical Stance
This absence of comment from New Delhi starkly contrasts with its earlier positions on international conflicts, particularly those involving Iran. For instance, in early 2020, India openly condemned the targeted killing of General Qasem Soleimani by U.S. forces. The Ministry of External Affairs had called the act alarming back then and emphasized the importance of peace and stability in the region.
Moreover, the Modi government’s decision to mourn the deaths of Iranian officials in 2024 demonstrates the historical ties India has maintained with Iran, which have been nurtured over decades despite geopolitical changes. In this context, the current silence raises critical questions about India’s foreign policy direction and its balancing act between competing international interests.
Geopolitical Considerations Behind India’s Silence
The Israel Factor
India’s close ties with Israel have progressively deepened, particularly since Prime Minister Modi’s landmark visit to the country in 2017. His recent trip to Jerusalem saw him voice unequivocal support for Israel, marking a potentially pivotal shift in India’s diplomatic stance in the region. During this visit, Modi articulated India’s unwavering commitment to supporting Israel, a statement that resonates within the current geopolitical climate.
With Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praising Khamenei’s demise and expressing gratitude for India’s support, the complexities of India’s relationships in the Middle East have drawn attention. Experts suggest that India’s responsiveness to Israeli interests may overshadow its traditional support for Iran, further complicating its diplomatic strategy.
Strained India-Iran Relations
In recent years, the dynamic between India and Iran has weakened, impacted primarily by rising U.S. sanctions on the latter. Since halting oil imports from Iran in 2018, India’s trade with the country has plummeted from ₹1.2 lakh crore ($17 billion) to just ₹13,000 crore ($1.68 billion) in 2025. The Chabahar port project, which was seen as a key to India-Iran cooperation, is also under threat due to the expiration of U.S. sanctions waivers.
The deterioration of relations comes as India reorients its energy dependency on other nations, particularly in the Gulf, where it has seen a surge in cooperation and trade partnerships. The loss of trade ties with Iran could limit India’s role in regional development and trade, making its foreign policy increasingly precarious.
Criticism from Khamenei
Khamenei’s public remarks against India regarding Kashmir and minority rights have also contributed to a cooling relationship. In 2019, following the revocation of Article 370, he condemned India’s approach to its internal affairs, which diverged sharply from the historical understanding between the two nations. Such criticisms complicate diplomatic communications and may discourage New Delhi from commenting on developments in Iran.
India’s Relations with Gulf Nations
India has robust ties with Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which are critical for its economic stability and security. Approximately 10 million Indians reside and work in these countries, and their safety is paramount. New Delhi’s silence on the Iranian crisis may stem from a desire to maintain stability and avoid antagonizing these powerful partners.
The current geopolitical climate poses challenges, particularly given the recent defense partnerships announced with Gulf countries. A government official indicated that any action that risks jeopardizing the welfare of Indian citizens abroad was unsustainable, consequently emphasizing the need for careful diplomacy.
India-U.S. Relations
With U.S.-India relations appearing to thaw, following an agreement to reduce tariffs and establish a critical technology supply chain, the Modi government’s hesitations about taking a definitive stance on Iran become clearer. Given America’s fluctuating policies, New Delhi seems inclined to navigate these waters cautiously. Recent outreach by U.S. officials to India reinforces the significance of maintaining ties with Washington while addressing potential repercussions from engaging with Tehran.
While the administration seeks to optimize its strategic alliances, the implications for trade and diplomatic relations may further complicate the situation for India in the coming months. Concerns over U.S. military actions in Iran raise additional questions about India’s involvement and engagements.
Domestic Reactions and Concerns
The opposition has raised concerns that India’s foreign policy has become reactive rather than proactive, jeopardizing its historical stance of emphasizing territorial integrity and respect for sovereignty. They argue that the government’s silence may lead to underestimating complexities in Middle Eastern geopolitics, which could have ramifications for Indian interests and citizens abroad.
Several former diplomats have echoed this sentiment, suggesting that silence in international matters hurts India’s global standing, especially with its aspirations to be a leader in the Global South. As political tensions escalate, India must reassess its priorities to harmonize its relationships while upholding its historical values.
Potential Future Implications
As tensions in the region are anticipated to persist, India faces challenging choices moving forward. The ongoing conflict may necessitate the government to recalibrate its foreign policy, keeping in mind both its strategic interests and humanitarian obligations. Moreover, with the BRICS summit approaching, how India manages its positioning could influence its credibility among other member nations, particularly with Iran now included in the grouping.
Amid these dynamics, India is tasked with determining its stance, balancing between vital trade connections, geopolitical alliances, and its own citizens’ welfare, in a rapidly changing landscape.
Conclusion: A Delicate Balancing Act Ahead
India stands at a crossroads where its decisions on foreign policy could echo beyond immediate ramifications to affect broader international relations. As developments continue in Iran and the wider region, the country’s ability to navigate these complexities will determine its role on the global stage.
New Delhi’s responses in the coming weeks will be closely monitored by both domestic and international observers, highlighting the importance of assertive yet calculated diplomacy in a world faced with multifaceted conflicts.