New Delhi, June 25, 2025
In a significant diplomatic intervention, India has emerged as a voice of reason and stability amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, following U.S. airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities last week.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s timely outreach to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, coupled with India’s measured and mature stance, is being widely acknowledged as a stabilizing force in a region on the brink of wider conflict.
The U.S. bombing campaign on June 20-21 targeted Iran’s key nuclear sites in Natanz, Fordow, and Isfahan, citing concerns over Tehran’s nuclear advancements.
The sudden escalation sent shockwaves across the international community, prompting urgent diplomatic efforts to prevent a full-scale regional conflict.
Amid this volatile backdrop, Prime Minister Modi held a crucial 45-minute phone call with President Pezeshkian on June 22.
During the conversation, Modi expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating security situation and emphasised that dialogue, not confrontation, must be the way forward.
“War is not a solution. India stands firmly for dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable path to peace,” Modi reportedly told the Iranian leader, in line with India’s longstanding policy of non-alignment and peaceful resolution of international disputes.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) later confirmed that New Delhi was closely monitoring developments, and reiterated its call for “restraint from all parties and the restoration of calm.” External Affairs minister S.Jaishankar and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri have remained in constant touch with key diplomatic counterparts across West Asia and Washington.
Union Minister Piyush Goyal also reinforced India’s position publicly, stating, “India will always act in the interest of global peace. Our Prime Minister’s intervention reflects not only leadership but a deep humanitarian commitment to stability and justice.”
India’s unique geopolitical position has allowed it to act as a rare neutral voice in a deeply polarized scenario.
With robust ties to Iran — including strategic cooperation through the Chabahar port, longstanding cultural exchanges, and energy trade — alongside its deepening relationships with the United States and Israel, India holds a place of trust on all sides.
Defense experts say this makes India particularly well-placed to mediate behind the scenes.
“India’s balanced approach gives it diplomatic credibility few others enjoy,” said Maj. Gen. (Retd) G.D. Bakshi. “The Prime Minister’s call was not symbolic — it was impactful, and Iran welcomed the gesture. That’s a mark of India’s rising global stature.”
India’s efforts extended beyond diplomacy. The government swiftly launched Operation Sindhu, a massive evacuation effort to bring back over 1,400 Indian nationals from Iran.
Special flights routed through Armenia and the UAE ensured the safe return of stranded citizens — yet another display of India’s readiness and compassion in global emergencies.
Iranian state media acknowledged the importance of Modi’s outreach, referring to India as a “partner for peace.” Tehran’s tone also notably softened after the diplomatic engagement, suggesting India’s influence had a tempering effect on immediate rhetoric and retaliatory intentions.
While major world powers struggled to align on responses, India’s actions underscored its growing role as a responsible global power — one that prioritizes dialogue, humanitarian responsibility, and regional stability without resorting to provocation.
As the world awaits a possible next chapter in West Asia’s unfolding tensions, India’s calm and calculated diplomacy under Prime Minister Modi has served as a timely reminder: in an age of impulsive militarism, reasoned statesmanship can still hold sway.
