The time has come for India to pursue peace initiatives in South Asia

by Arun Mitra

The Indian government has become increasingly aligned with US policy and has effectively surrendered to pressure from President Trump. In a changing world, Russia and China are cooperating on many issues and expanding their influence in geopolitics. A growing number of developing countries in the Global South are strengthening their ties with these two nations.

In this context, Prime Minister Modi visited Israel at a time when preparations for a US-Israeli attack on Iran were reportedly complete. In the Israeli Parliament, he condemned Hamas attacks but did not mention the deaths of approximately 70,000 Palestinians, including 20,000 children, resulting from Israeli military actions. Instead, he stated that India stood with Israel and would continue to do so under all circumstances. Later, when Israeli actions resulted in the deaths of schoolchildren in Iran, Modi did not publicly comment. Israeli leaders have stated that after the United States, India is their closest friend, while few other countries maintain such close relations.

Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the right-wing nationalist group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), recently stated that India is ready to become a “Vishwaguru” (world teacher) but that internal preparations remain inadequate. He also remarked that the world respects only the strong. Does this imply that India should strengthen itself militarily, maintain close ties with countries such as Israel, and continue purchasing weapons and technology from them?

Instead of focusing on pressing national issues, the Modi government has increasingly diverted attention toward historical controversies, while development has stagnated. Hosting the G20 summit was celebrated extensively, with posters displayed everywhere, but no substantial benefits appear to have followed. Now India is participating in Quad meetings, where the United States has effectively assigned India the role of a sentinel in the Indo-Pacific region.

India also holds the presidency of BRICS. However, the recent BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting concluded without significant results, reportedly because India avoided condemning Israeli and American actions against Iran.

In South Asia, India’s relations with its neighbors are strained. Relations with Pakistan remain poor, and ties with China remain difficult. India seeks to compete with China, but lacks comparable economic, technological, and military capabilities. India’s trade with China remains heavily imbalanced. China possesses significant economic influence, military strength, and advanced technology. It has also made clear that it will not allow Pakistan’s sovereignty to be threatened.

Under these circumstances, repeated discussions of military action and references to “Operation Sindoor” risk increasing the possibility of conflict. In the event of war, it is evident that China would support Pakistan, and India would find it extremely difficult to confront both countries simultaneously.

The time has come for India to pursue peace initiatives in South Asia. Cooperation among India, Pakistan, and China would not only advance the region’s development but could also provide a positive example for the world and strengthen prospects for peace. Acting as a strategic outpost of American diplomacy would be extremely harmful for India.

Recent developments have also demonstrated that countries such as Iran have been capable of challenging American power. India must therefore pursue an independent foreign policy based on its own national interests rather than functioning as an extension of US strategic objectives.

Dr. Mitra, a former co-president of IPPNW, is National Senior Vice President of Indian Doctors for Peace and Development (IDPD).