Iran

India’s commerce ministry has called for urgent consultations with shipping lines, exporters, and container companies to evaluate the impact of escalating tensions between Iran and Israel on the nation’s overseas trade. The conflict threatens critical shipping lanes such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea, both lifelines for India’s energy imports and merchandise exports. Rising freight costs, shipping risks, and potential inflationary pressures loom large.

As the geopolitical crisis between Israel and Iran escalates, India has initiated Operation Sindhu to evacuate its citizens stranded in conflict zones, particularly in Tehran. The first evacuation flight carrying 110 Indian students landed safely in New Delhi on Thursday morning, offering relief to anxious families. However, thousands more remain in volatile regions, sparking urgent appeals from worried parents. Among them are over 10,000 medical students and several thousand others.

In a candid briefing in New Delhi, Israeli Ambassador to India Reuven Azar reiterated his country’s firm commitment to curbing Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stating that Israel will persist in using its capabilities to “degrade” Tehran’s nuclear infrastructure. While acknowledging the preferable route of diplomacy, Azar underscored the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear and missile programs and emphasized that Israel remains prepared to act militarily if necessary.

Global oil markets remain on edge following last week’s Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, with Brent crude witnessing its most dramatic intraday spike in three years. While prices have since moderated, the surge reflects market anxiety over potential supply disruptions in the Middle East. So far, no crude exports or infrastructure have been affected, and key transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz remain operational. Analysts suggest that although geopolitical risks have sparked speculative trading, the fundamentals remain unchanged—for now.

India has chosen to distance itself from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation’s (SCO) collective condemnation of Israel’s ongoing military offensive against Iran, reflecting its strategic neutrality amid a volatile geopolitical crisis. The recent escalation between Israel and Iran—marked by strikes on nuclear and military sites, civilian casualties, and reciprocal missile attacks—has alarmed global leaders. While the SCO, which includes key regional powers, denounced Israel’s actions, India abstained from endorsing the statement.

Tensions between Israel and Iran have erupted into open conflict, with sustained missile and drone attacks extending into a fourth consecutive day. The ongoing exchange has resulted in significant civilian casualties on both sides and the deaths of key Iranian military figures, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intelligence chief. Iran has expanded its strikes to Israel’s eastern targets, including oil infrastructure, while Israel continues its aggressive campaign against Iranian military and urban centers.

On Friday, Air India, India’s flagship carrier, was forced to reroute 16 long- and ultra-long-haul international flights due to escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. The immediate closure of Iranian airspace, following Israel's military strike on Tehran, led to significant disruptions in global air travel. Air India, in a travel advisory, assured passengers that arrangements were being made to ensure their safe arrival at their destinations, despite the unforeseen crisis.