Israel, Iran fire missiles, Jaishankar talks to Gideon Sa’ar and Abbas Araghchi
“Israel and Iran are both strategic partners of India and the Foreign Ministers of both the conflicting sides have been in close contact with Indian officials over the recent past” In the backdrop of intensification of as Israel-Iran conflict on Friday (June 13, 2025), External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a round of conversations with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts – Dr. Abbas Araghchi and Gideon Sa’ar. Israel and Iran are both strategic partners of India and the
Foreign Ministers of both the conflicting sides have been in close contact with Indian officials over the recent past. The Minister-level phone conversation was held shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a phone call from his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. PM Modi had called for “early restoration of peace” and urged for stability in the Gulf region that is vital for India’s economy and security architecture.
In the phone call with Mr. Araghchi, Mr. Jaishankar expressed
“deep concern of the international community at the turn of events.” “He urged avoidance of any escalatory steps and an early return to diplomacy,” said the Indian Embassy in Tehran in the statement.
In response, the Iranian Foreign Minister “shared Iran’s perspective on the situation”, said the Embassy of India. The conversation came hours after Israel hit targets, including nuclear energy research centres, inside Iran. Soon thereafter Iran unleashed three waves of missiles and drones as part of what it described as ‘Operation True Promise’.
” Importance of Israel and Iran , to India ”
India maintains strategically important but very different relationships with both Israel and Iran, each serving distinct national interests in areas like energy, defense, connectivity, and geopolitics. Here’s a breakdown of the importance of both Israel and Iran to India, across various dimensions:
IMPORTANCE OF ISRAEL TO INDIA
1. Defense & Security Cooperation
Israel is among the top three arms suppliers to India (alongside Russia and France).
Key defense imports:
Missile systems (Barak-8, Spike anti-tank), Drones and surveillance tech, Cybersecurity and border surveillance tools, Joint ventures and R&D, collaborations in Indian defense industry.
2. Agriculture & Water Management
Israel helps India in: Drip irrigation and desert farming (used in Rajasthan, Maharashtra) Water conservation and wastewater recycling Indo-Israel Agricultural Centres of Excellence (30+ centres in 13 states)
3. Innovation and Technology
Israel is a global tech hub in AI, cybersecurity, and med-tech.
Growing startup collaboration with India (particularly with Bengaluru, Hyderabad).
4. Counterterrorism Cooperation-
Strong exchange of intelligence and best practices on Urban counterterrorism
Airport and cyber security.
5. Geopolitical Alignment Israel and India share strategic alignment on Countering terrorism Opposition to religious extremism Friendly ties with U.S. and Western democracies
IMPORTANCE OF IRAN TO INDIA
1. Energy Security
Iran was once a major oil supplier to India (before U.S. sanctions).
India still aims to resume oil trade when sanctions ease due to Iran’s cheap crude and favorable payment terms.
2. Connectivity and Trade – Chabahar Port-
India is developing Chabahar Port in southeastern Iran. It serves as a Gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia Strategic counter to China’s Gwadar Port in Pakistan It helps India bypass Pakistan for trade with Central Asia and Russia.
3. Cultural and Historical Ties-
Deep Persian cultural influence on Indian language, literature, architecture.
A large number of Indian Shia Muslims have religious links with Iran.
4. Strategic Balance in West Asia-
Ties with Iran help India maintain regional balance and strategic autonomy.
Useful in neutralizing China’s presence in the region (as Iran also engages with China).
So the Indian government or foreign minister Ms. S. Jaishankar is always trying to build healthy relations with both of the countries.
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