Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi has welcomed the US-Iran understanding on ending the conflict in West Asia, while expressing hope that its implementation will help restore peace and stability in the region and ensure the freedom of navigation and commerce. In a post on X, Modi said, “We look forward to deliberations on the remaining issues reaching a sustainable final agreement.”India had in April too welcomed a temporary ceasefire announced by both sides, notwithstanding the fact that it had been brokered with help from Pakistan. On this occasion, Pakistan said after the announcement by both Trump and Iran that it would host in Geneva this week the signing of the agreement, which is expected to formally mark the end of the conflict that started on Feb 28.India’s reaction suggests it is ready to take a long view and prioritise peace in its extended neighbourhood, instead of being constrained by its volatile relationship with Pakistan. Official sources said India had already benefited from the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz as an Indian LNG tanker, Disha, passed through carrying cargo from Qatar.While the agreement is still contingent upon support from Israel, the deal promises to further India’s interests in the region in several other areas, apart from energy, like connectivity, diaspora and rapidly expanding strategic partnerships with the region through initiatives like the I2U2 involving UAE, US, Israel and India. India anticipates that peace would accelerate work on such initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.But Pakistan’s emergence as a credible negotiator — going by the accolades it received Monday along with Qatar from countries like France, Germany, Italy, Canada and the UK — India may be faced with some diplomatic realignment challenges in the near future. It might also bring into question India’s policy of not having any dialogue with Pakistan and working to isolate Islamabad internationally.
