Iran is important to India for multiple reasons, including its geographical location and rich energy resources. In fact, the Chabahar port project — being jointly developed in Iran — is of crucial importance to India as it would be crucial for connectivity to Afghanistan and the resources-rich Central Asian countries, bypassing Pakistan.

As missiles fly between Israel and Iran and Western powers edge toward potential intervention, India finds itself walking a narrowing diplomatic tightrope. New Delhi’s doctrine of strategic autonomy — maintaining relations with rival states without taking sides — is facing one of its toughest tests in years.

India has decided to begin evacuation operations for its citizens in Israel, which is now embroiled in hostilities with Iran.