“Opinion | This Is Not India’s War To Mediate”, News 18, March 25, 2026

“The Opposition has sharpened its attack on the Modi-led NDA, accusing it of ceding diplomatic space to Pakistan as the latter positions itself as a mediator in the Gulf war. The Opposition argues that India, once seen as a key regional voice, is now reduced to the “sidelines” due to what it calls “strategic silence” and growing “diplomatic invisibility.” The criticism is clearly designed to pressure New Delhi into adopting a more visibly assertive role as the Opposition feels restraint symbolises weakness.

While there is a compelling case to be made for India inserting itself in a manner commensurate with its regional stature, this isn’t that conflict. Nor is it the moment. Here’s why.

First, no country can be an effective mediator without real influence. Mediation works when both sides believe the mediator can shift outcomes. As things stand, India doesn’t have real leverage over the protagonists. India imports over 60 per cent of its crude from the Gulf; it has no military footprint or security role in the conflict. Its strength is economic and diplomatic, not coercive. That means India cannot be a decisive arbiter…….”

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