Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar for opening diplomatic dialogue with Iran as tensions intensify across West Asia, arguing that India must take an active role in encouraging de-escalation while protecting the interests of millions of citizens living in the Gulf region.Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Tharoor said India’s engagement with Tehran represented a necessary step at a time of growing instability in the region. He emphasised that dialogue remained the most effective route to reduce tensions and prevent the situation from spiralling into a wider confrontation. According to the Congress leader, India has both strategic stakes and humanitarian concerns tied to developments in West Asia.
Tharoor pointed to the presence of nearly nine million citizens living and working in Gulf countries, describing their safety and livelihoods as a priority for policymakers in New Delhi. He warned that any prolonged conflict could disrupt employment opportunities, threaten remittance flows and place pressure on governments that host large expatriate communities from the subcontinent.
His remarks followed a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, during which both leaders discussed the deteriorating security environment in West Asia and the need to reduce tensions. Officials said the discussion reflected India’s continuing diplomatic engagement with regional actors amid fears that escalating hostilities could destabilise energy markets and shipping routes vital to the global economy.
Tharoor described the outreach as a “constructive initiative,” stating that maintaining communication with all sides is essential for a country that relies heavily on energy imports from the region. India sources a substantial portion of its crude oil from West Asian producers, making stability in the Gulf a critical factor for domestic energy security and economic planning.
The Congress MP also highlighted the broader geopolitical implications of the crisis. Escalation between regional powers could affect maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit chokepoints. Disruptions in that corridor would reverberate across global energy markets, potentially pushing prices higher and affecting economies dependent on imported fuel.
Diplomatic observers note that India has traditionally pursued a balanced approach in West Asia, maintaining relations with Iran, Gulf Arab states and Israel while avoiding direct alignment with any bloc. This strategy has allowed New Delhi to safeguard trade ties, energy supplies and the welfare of expatriate communities spread across multiple countries in the region.
Tharoor’s endorsement of the government’s outreach drew attention because it signalled bipartisan recognition of the stakes involved. Despite frequent political disagreements between the Congress party and the governing Bharatiya Janata Party, the Congress leader indicated that engagement with Iran served national interests at a moment of uncertainty in the region.
India’s diplomatic posture toward Tehran has evolved over the years, shaped by shifting geopolitical pressures and economic considerations. New Delhi has maintained dialogue with Iran even while navigating sanctions regimes and strategic partnerships with Western countries and Gulf monarchies. Analysts say such balancing acts have become increasingly complex as conflicts in West Asia intersect with global power rivalries and energy politics.
The conversation between Modi and Pezeshkian came amid heightened tensions across the region, where exchanges of threats and military posturing have raised fears of a broader confrontation. Governments around the world have been monitoring developments closely, with many calling for restraint and renewed diplomatic engagement.
For India, the stakes extend beyond geopolitics. Gulf economies host millions of workers who contribute significantly to remittances sent home each year. These financial flows form a vital component of household income in many parts of the country and help support broader economic stability.
Tharoor said safeguarding the welfare of expatriate workers must remain central to policy decisions. Any escalation that threatens the security of diaspora communities could prompt emergency evacuation planning and place pressure on diplomatic missions across the region.
Energy analysts also caution that instability in West Asia could trigger volatility in global oil markets. Even the perception of risk around shipping lanes or production facilities can push prices upward, affecting inflation and economic planning in import-dependent countries.
Against that backdrop, Tharoor argued that India’s diplomatic outreach could contribute to broader efforts aimed at lowering tensions. A country with longstanding relations across the region and a reputation for pragmatic diplomacy, he said, is well positioned to advocate dialogue and peaceful resolution.