Ask Iran

However,there is,at the same time,no need for India to appear confounded and at a loss. India has rightly said that it cannot be part of any resolution against Iran without specific evidence that links Iran to the attack in Delhi and the foiled or botched attacks in Tbilisi and Bangkok. India cannot censure Iran without proof but Delhi should not use this as an alibi for inaction. One thing is clear: a diplomat has been attacked in the heart of the capital and she has left for home with injuries. India does not have the option to either sit tight and do nothing,or buy into either of the pro-Iran/ anti-Israel or anti-Iran/ pro-Israel discourse at home. What India must do is recognise that things have changed and that things are changing in the Middle East,as well as the fact that Delhi cannot remain aloof from it all and yet believe that all its interests whether with Israel or the Gulf Arab states or Iran will continue taking care of themselves. As far as fuel is concerned,India and China today are increasingly important for the Middle East,while American oil imports are declining. So while the West-Iran,Israel-Iran,Arab-Iran faultlines get entrenched,Delhi will not be able to look away.

So this is what Delhi could begin with: while it investigates last weeks attack and collaborates with Israel in the probe,it should use the one advantage it has over Israel and the US its good relations with Iran. In the face of sanctions,India has made it clear that it will do business with Iran. That business includes talking to Tehran about the attack and asking it the right questions. In fact,the Iranian ambassador has said that Iran will verify the allegations if India asks it to. Whats India waiting for?