India's Diplomacy Deeply Entangled in Middle East Dilemma as Modi Government Refuses to Condemn US-Israel Attacks

Golden Ten Data reported on March 3 that India expressed deep concern over the expansion of the Middle East conflict and its impact on Indian citizens in the region. However, amid criticism from opposition figures, India avoided mentioning the death of Iran's leader and did not condemn the joint US-Israeli attack. In a statement released by the Ministry of External Affairs on Tuesday, India noted that, given its trade and energy supplies pass through the region, the conflict could affect the Indian economy. India imports nearly 5 million barrels of crude oil daily, making it the world's third-largest oil consumer. Rising oil prices will further widen India's trade deficit and put greater pressure on the Indian currency, the rupee. On Tuesday, Brent crude oil prices broke above $85 per barrel for the first time since July 2024.