Veteran journalist and West Asia expert Waiel Awwad on Monday called upon India to play a proactive and stabilising role amid the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, stressing that India is a “natural extension of West Asia” and must act to prevent a wider regional war.
In an interview with ANI, Awwad said India holds significant strategic and economic stakes in the region — from energy and food security to the welfare of the 9 million-strong Indian diaspora residing in the Middle East.
“If this war breaks out in the Middle East, India will be the first sufferer,” Awwad warned. “India is the number one stakeholder in the region — in terms of food security, oil security, and diaspora.”
India’s dependence on West Asia, he added, includes USD 60 billion in annual remittances, and extensive trade, energy, and connectivity partnerships. Over 66% of India’s NRIs live in the Gulf region.
Awwad urged India to take the lead in diplomatic engagement, promoting dialogue among all parties involved in the conflict.
“India has to take a lead in making sure that there is no widening of the war… India can take the lead in South-South cooperation and continue working with countries calling for a peaceful resolution,” he said.
He acknowledged India’s current policy of strategic ambiguity, maintaining balanced ties with the US, Israel, and Arab nations.
The journalist’s remarks come as the US launched airstrikes on Iran’s nuclear sites under “Operation Midnight Hammer,” targeting facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
With rising geopolitical tensions and Brent crude prices climbing over 11% since June 13, Awwad cautioned about the broader economic and security implications for India.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had also highlighted the deep-rooted historic, economic, and cultural ties between India and West Asia, calling the region “crucial to India’s strategic interests.”
India’s annual trade with the Middle East ranges between USD 160–180 billion, with major collaborations in energy, infrastructure, health, technology, and education.
As tensions rise in the region, experts like Awwad are urging India to engage diplomatically, work with global partners, and ensure regional stability — safeguarding both national interests and millions of Indian lives abroad.