India's Diplomatic Absence in Iran

India's Diplomatic Absence in Iran-US Peace Agreement Sparks Criticism

Congress MP Pawan Khera criticizes India's absence in facilitating the Iran-US peace agreement, highlighting lost diplomatic opportunities. Despite historical ties with Iran, India's inactivity contrasts with Pakistan's emerging diplomatic role. Khera questions the effectiveness of India's foreign diplomacy under Modi amidst strategic setbacks and diminished global standing.

On June 15, Congress Rajya Sabha MP Pawan Khera raised questions about India's diplomatic standing within the framework of an emerging global order. His concerns come on the heels of a peace agreement between Iran and the United States, a deal India played no role in shaping despite its robust ties to Iran.

Khera welcomed the agreement, acknowledging that it brought relief to proponents of peace but also underscored the severe toll it took on West Asia, particularly Iran and Lebanon. He highlighted that the accord was mediated by Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey, noting India's lack of involvement.

The Congress leader pointed out India's historic ties with Iran and Prime Minister Narendra Modi's warm relationship with President Trump. Yet, India stayed sidelined during peace talks, failing to leverage these relationships for diplomatic gain. He criticized External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for dismissing mediation's potential, calling it 'dalali'.

Khera alluded to India's past efforts under the UPA government to shed light on Pakistan's role in global terrorism, which had resulted in Pakistan being put on the FATF grey list. Yet, currently, he notes, Pakistan has successfully repositioned itself as a stabilizing force globally, whereas India remains a passive observer in diplomatic circles.

According to Khera, India's inaction in this geopolitical conflict—despite suffering strategic and diplomatic losses—casts a shadow on its global influence. He remarked that even though this wasn't India's conflict, the nation emerges weakened, closing with a critical note on the Modi administration.