The podcast episode titled “Major General Sanjay Soi (R) on Iran-Israel Tensions and its Impact on India” was hosted by Forum For Global Studies, a Delhi based multidisciplinary thinktank. Dr Sandeep Tripathi moderated the session and the talk featured Major General Sanjay Soi (Retd), a noted Defense Expert. The discussion focused on the Iran-Israel Tensions and its Impact on India
Dr Tripathi opened the discussion by introducing Major General Sanjay Soi (Retd), a noted Defense and Foreign Affairs Expert. Dr Tripathi opened the discussion by providing insights on the Middle East being strategically important for India in the field of food security, maritime cooperation, with Iran being a part of India’s extended neighborhood. He emphasized the importance of the Middle East region for India to assert its soft power. Dr Tripathi raised his concerns over the drone attack launched by Iran on Israel as a retaliation to its attack on Iranian Embassy situated in Syria, he further questioned the possible escalation of this conflict into a full-blown world war. Maj Gen Soi walked through a brief history of Israel-Iran enmity and how the tensions escalated between two nations. He further expressed his views stating the Israel-Palestine war as a broader proxy war between Israel and Iran, explaining the linkages of Hezbollah, Houthis and Hamas with Iran.
Maj Gen Soi explained the efforts of USA and NATO nations to avoid the conflict, maintaining regional stability. He further highlights the region’s importance, particularly of stabilizing the global energy markets. He also pointed out the instability resulting from the Houthi rebels’ attack on the Red Sea, which has led to disruptions in the supply chain. Additionally, Maj Gen Soi raised concerns over the danger of blockade of the Persian Gulf by Iran, causing disruptions in energy trade from Iraq and Saudi Arabia affecting the global economy, particularly Asian markets. He further puts his opinion of lesser chances of Israel-Iran conflict escalating into full blown war. Major General Soi discussed the strategic partnership between Iran and Russia, highlighting the procurement deal for the Iran-Russia S-400 Missile Defense system. Following this, he explained the global divide between two blocs-USA, Israel and NATO nations on one side and Iran, China and Russia on another.
Dr. Tripathi asserted his views on Iran and Israel’s efforts to maintain their hegemony and sovereignty. Both the scholars discussed the global divide and its implication on global politics. Maj Gen Soi asserted his view on Russia-Iran partnership with Russia providing direct or indirect support to Iran in the conflict and also raised the concern of the conflict escalating beyond the regional conflict due to formation of two power blocs. Further, Dr Tripathi questioned India’s energy dynamics and its strategic interests in the Middle East region, stating its large dependence on the region for its energy security. Major General Soi underscores the success of India’s foreign policy through its stable relations with Iran, Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and other Middle Eastern nations, emphasizing the region’s significance for India. Comparing India’s stance on Russia-Ukraine war, Dr Tripathi questioned the inconspicuous stance of India on Iran-Israel conflict focusing on its dependence on both the nations for energy and defense respectively. Major General Soi explained India’s stance, emphasizing its support for dialogue and diplomacy while advocating for the avoidance of war to ensure regional and global stability. He also stated the intertwined relations of India with Palestine since the post-independence era.
Dr. Tripathi concluded the podcast by sharing his views on India’s approach to maintaining dialogue and diplomacy with Middle Eastern nations. He emphasized India’s advocacy for peace and stability in the region, its efforts to safeguard its interests, and the importance of balancing its diplomatic relationships.