The war between Iran and Israel has reached its peak. There is a tremendous attacks from both sides. American President Donald Trump has claimed that he will soon stop the war between the two countries. But when he himself stands firmly with one of the two sides, how Iran will trust him is beyond comprehension. At the moment, it seems that this war between the two countries is going to last for a long time. Obviously, if the war goes on long, the world can once again divide into two poles. If this happens then the biggest difficulty is coming to India. India’s foreign policy has been based on historically neutrality, strategic autonomy and priority to national interests. India has deep and strategic relations with both countries – Iran and Israel, and choosing one will not be an easy decision for India.
At first India will not go with anyone and will maintain its non -aligned image. But there are many reasons why India will have to choose one side in the bipolar system.
Indo-Israel Relations
After Israel came into existence, India could not form a diplomatic relationship with Israel under the pressure of Islamic nations for about 4 decades. For the first time in 1992, a full diplomatic relationship between India and Israel was established during the tenure of Narasimha Rao. Since then, relations between India and Israel have become increasingly strengthened. Israel has become an important defense and technology partner for India. India has bought Barak missile defense system, drone, radar system, and other advanced arms systems from Israel. By 2023, Israel’s share in India’s defense imports was about 10–12%. Israeli’s cyber security technology and intelligence cooperation are also important for India, especially in anti -terrorism campaigns.
Both India and Israel see terrorism as a common threat. Israeli intelligence agencies, such as Mossad, and India’s RAW have played an important role in dealing with terrorism.
Israel has supported India’s interests on the United Nations and other forums, such as India’s support on the Kashmir issue.
Indo-Iran Relations
India and Iran have historical, cultural, and strategic relations, which are centuries old. Iran is important for India for energy security and regional connectivity. Iran has been an important supplier of crude oil for India. Although India reduced oil imports from Iran after 2019 due to US sanctions, Iran’s geographical location remains important for India’s energy security.
India has invested heavy in the Chabahar port in Iran, which provides India access to Central Asia without depending on Pakistan. This port is strategically important for India, as it balances the Gwadar port (Pakistan) in China.
The International North-South Transport Corridor (Instc) connects India, Iran, and Russia, which enhances trade and strategic connectivity for India.
The basic principle of India’s foreign policy has been strategic autonomy and non -alignment. India has historically avoided choosing one side clearly in any global or regional conflict. India also maintained neutrality between Russia and Ukraine.
India has maintained a balance between Saudi Arabia and Iran, or Israel and Palestine. Recently, India sent humanitarian aid to Palestine, which reflects its balanced policy.
If India has to choose one
If India has to choose one of Iran or Israel under compulsion, what will he do? The answer to this question is hidden in it, how the equations are formed in the future. As the statement of the Iranian officials has come on Sunday, if Israel attacks a nuclear attack, Pakistan will lead to nuclear attack on Israel towards Iran. If Iran gets such assurance from Pakistan during the war, then obviously the distance between India and Iran will increase.
Prior to this, the way Israeli’s PM Netanyahu has informed Indian PM Narendra Modi and informed about his safety, he reveals the proximity between the two countries.
Israel’s defense and technology cooperation holds immediate and long -term strategic significance for India. India’s defense modernization and anti -terrorism policies depend on Israel.
Israel is a close aide of America and Western countries. India’s growing relations with the US, European Union, and Quad countries (America, Japan, Australia) may bend in favor of Israel.
Therefore, if India is forced to choose one side, then it may be more likely to choose Israel on the basis of strategic and global mobility. However, India is unlikely to abandon Iran completely. India’s interests in Chabahar port and Central Asia keep Iran strategically important.
Israel provided military and technical assistance to India during Operation Sindoor (6-7 May 2025). The Indian Army used Israeli weapons such as Barak-8 missiles, Harop drones, and skiester drones, which played an important role in destroying Pakistani terrorist bases and thwarting drone attacks.
According to a report by the Times of Israel, Israeli drones accurately targeted military bases in major Pakistani cities like Karachi and Lahore, which strengthened Indo-Israeli defense cooperation.
During the operation, Israel also provided intelligence and strategic support to India, especially after the Pahalgam attack (22 April 2025).
Israel condemned the Pahalgam terror attack and expressed solidarity with India, calling it barbaric and inhuman. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed condolences to the people of India and the families of the victims.
Israel openly supported India on the Kashmir issue and valued India’s actions against Pakistan, which was diplomatically important for India.
Historically, Israel also provided arms and technical assistance to India in the 1971 war and the Kargil War (1999), which strengthened the trust between the two countries.
Iran did not clearly support India on Operation Sindoor. According to some sources and X posts, Iran supported Pakistan during this period or made statements against India at least neutral. Iran definitely condemned the Pahalgam attack and discussed terrorism with Indian officials, but its stand on Kashmir issue has been uncomfortable for India.
Iran has several times referred to Kashmir as a disputed region, which is against India’s claim of sovereignty. This has been a sensitive issue in India-Iran relations.