Iran & Israel have been our friends, all we can do is observe: Tharoor
The ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel has been a subject of concern for many countries, including India. The recent escalation in violence has resulted in the loss of over 650 lives, with no end to the conflict in sight. In a recent statement, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor expressed his views on the situation, emphasizing that both Iran and Israel have been India’s friends and that the country can only observe the situation with attention and concern.
Tharoor’s statement is significant, as it reflects the delicate balance that India has to maintain in the Middle East. India has traditionally enjoyed good relations with both Iran and Israel, and has been careful not to take sides in the conflict. The country’s policy of non-alignment and its commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity have guided its approach to the conflict.
India’s relationship with Iran dates back to the 1950s, when the country was a major beneficiary of Iran’s oil wealth. The two countries have cooperated on a range of issues, including energy, trade, and regional security. India has also been a major buyer of Iranian oil, and has resisted US sanctions against Tehran. Israel, on the other hand, has been a key partner for India in the field of defense and technology. The two countries have cooperated on various projects, including the development of missiles and drones.
However, India’s friendship with both Iran and Israel has not been without challenges. The country has been careful not to take sides in the conflict, and has instead focused on maintaining good relations with both countries. This has required a delicate balancing act, as India has had to navigate the complex web of alliances and rivalries in the Middle East.
Tharoor’s statement reflects this balancing act, as he emphasized that India’s friendship with both Iran and Israel is long-standing and important. He noted that ideally, the two countries would find a way to resolve their differences peacefully, but that for now, all India can do is observe the situation with attention and concern.
Tharoor’s views are in line with India’s traditional approach to international relations, which emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. India has also been a strong advocate for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and has called for an end to the occupation of Palestinian territories.
However, Tharoor’s statement also reflects a sense of realism, as he acknowledged that the conflict between Iran and Israel is complex and deeply ingrained. He noted that the two countries have a long history of rivalry, and that the conflict has been fueled by a range of factors, including religious and ideological differences.
The conflict has also been fueled by external factors, including the involvement of regional and global powers. The United States, in particular, has been a key player in the conflict, and has provided significant support to Israel. Iran, on the other hand, has been aided by its allies in the region, including Syria and Hezbollah.
Despite the challenges, Tharoor’s statement offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He noted that India’s friendship with both Iran and Israel is long-standing and important, and that the country is committed to maintaining good relations with both countries. He also emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts, and called for an end to the violence and bloodshed in the region.
In conclusion, Tharoor’s statement reflects India’s traditional approach to international relations, which emphasizes the importance of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of other countries. The country’s friendship with both Iran and Israel is long-standing and important, and India is committed to maintaining good relations with both countries. While the conflict between Iran and Israel is complex and deeply ingrained, Tharoor’s statement offers a glimmer of hope for a peaceful resolution, and highlights the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving conflicts.
