Overview India has faced sharp criticism from opposition parties for not issuing a public condemnation after the Supreme Leader Khamenei and several senior officials were killed in U.S.-Israeli missile strikes on 28 Feb 2026. While the MEA recorded a call between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran’s counterpart, no condolence or condemnation was mentioned in official read‑outs. Key Developments 28 Feb 2026: U.S.-Israeli missiles hit a girls’ school in Minab (≈150 dead, 100 injured) and damaged hospitals in Tehran, including Gandhi Hospital. 1 Mar 2026: Opposition parties demand a statement; former diplomats question India’s silence. 3 Mar 2026: MEA issues a fresh statement expressing “grave anxiety” over the escalation. India’s earlier responses to Iranian crises (Soleimani killing 2020, Raisi’s death 2024, nuclear facility strikes 2025) were publicly vocal. Important Facts The muted response can be traced to five strategic considerations: Israel‑India partnership: Since PM Modi’s 2017 visit to Israel, defence and technology ties have deepened, culminating in a recent address to the Knesset affirming unwavering support for Israel. Declining Iran‑India trade: Oil imports fell from $17 bn (2018) to $1.68 bn (2025); the Chabahar port project faces U.S. sanctions waiver expiry, and Israeli missiles have reportedly struck its Konark airport. Khamenei’s criticism of India: The leader has repeatedly condemned India’s Kashmir policies and internal communal incidents, straining diplomatic goodwill. Gulf‑India relations: With ~10 million Indians in GCC states, New Delhi avoids actions that could jeopardise ties with the UAE and Saudi Arabia, both wary of Iranian aggression. U.S.‑India alignment: Recent trade deals, inclusion in the SCO and BRICS statements, signal a tilt towards Washington’s strategic agenda, limiting room for overt criticism of U.S. actions. UPSC Relevance Understanding India’s diplomatic calculus is essential for GS 2 (International Relations) and GS 3 (Security & Strategic Affairs). The episode illustrates: Balancing bilateral ties with competing regional powers (Israel vs. Iran). Impact of economic sanctions on strategic projects like Chabahar and energy security. Role of diaspora considerations in foreign policy decisions (GCC labour force). India’s positioning within multilateral forums ( SCO , BRICS ). Way Forward For a balanced approach, India may consider: Issuing a calibrated statement that condemns civilian casualties while preserving strategic ties with both Israel and Iran. Accelerating diversification of energy imports to reduce dependence on Gulf oil and mitigate sanctions‑related risks. Leveraging multilateral platforms to advocate for de‑escalation, thereby enhancing its image as a responsible global player. Maintaining open channels with Iran for humanitarian assistance (e.g., evacuation of Indian students) without compromising broader security interests.