Is India a mediator?

January 19, 2024

NEW DELHI – Indian foreign minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Tehran on Monday and met his counterpart, Hossein Amirabdollahian. He also called on the Iranian President, Ebrahim Raisi. The visit emerged after a conversation between Jaishankar and the US Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. After the discussion with Blinken, Jaishankar tweeted, “A good discussion this evening with my friend US Secretary Blinken. Our conversation focused on maritime security challenges, especially the Red Sea region.

Appreciated his insights on ongoing situation in West Asia, including Gaza.” Iran has backed Hamas in Gaza which is battling Israel, and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has threatened to join the conflict, especially after Israel targeted a few of their leaders in Lebanon. The entry of Hezbollah into the conflict can draw in other entities and expand the war. Iran also supports the Houthis based in Yemen and has provided them with drones and missiles, enabling them to target shipping in the Red Sea. The Red Sea is among the most important waterways for global shipping. One-third of the world’s container traffic flows through this region, including 40 per cent of Asia-Europe trade. For China’s Belt and Road Initiative, it is a critical link.

However, it will not impact the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor. Houthi attacks have resulted in vessels avoiding the Red Sea and taking the longer route around the horn of Africa, enhancing oil prices. It has also impacted insurance premiums of ships. The US leads a naval task force of a number of countries, named ‘Prosperity Garden’ to counter the Houthi threat. However, regional players are not members of the same, reducing its global acceptance. Last week, the US