Amid escalating tensions in West Asia following the US military’s entry into the Israel-Iran conflict, Union Minister Piyush Goyal on Sunday underscored the importance of diplomacy and dialogue as the only sustainable route to resolving global disputes.
Reaffirming Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s consistent stance against war, Goyal told reporters, “Dialogue and diplomacy are the mediums that should be used for any issue to be resolved. PM Modi has always believed that war is not a solution for any conflict.”
The remarks come after US President Donald Trump ordered precision strikes on three major Iranian nuclear sites—Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan—triggering fears of a broader regional conflict.
Defence expert Praful Bakshi also echoed Goyal’s sentiments, suggesting that India, with its friendly relations with both Iran and Israel, is well-positioned to push for de-escalation. “This is a time for India to be vigilant. Both countries are our friends, and a personality like PM Modi could raise this issue with both sides to help end the war,” Bakshi said.
Commenting on the US strikes, Bakshi noted that the message to Iran was clear: “America is serious now. Like a predator, once it finds its prey, it acts—whether or not the prey is at fault. President Trump will likely continue on this path.”
He also suggested that the strikes serve as a warning to China and Russia, who have stood by Iran diplomatically and militarily.
Meanwhile, Trump, in his first public address since the strikes, warned that the US is prepared to take further military action if Iran does not agree to a peace deal. “There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we’ve witnessed over the last eight days,” he said from the White House, flanked by top leaders including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth.
In a Truth Social post, Trump added, “This cannot continue… There are many targets left. Tonight’s was the most difficult and perhaps the most lethal.”
The US President also extended his thanks to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying the two countries had worked together “like no team ever before.”
The White House had previously indicated that it had opened a two-week window for diplomacy—a prospect that now appears uncertain as tensions continue to rise.
