Israel-Iran Conflict Escalation: Impact on India & West Asia | Current Affairs

The Israel-Iran Conflict: Why It Matters for India
Israel’s military confirmed strikes on Iran’s nuclear facility in Isfahan on April 13, 2024, killing three senior Iranian commanders. This escalates a shadow war into open confrontation, with Iran retaliating via drones and missiles. The conflict now threatens to destabilize West Asia, impacting global security and India’s critical interests.

From Allies to Enemies: A Brief History
1950s–1979: Israel and Iran cooperated under Iran’s monarchy.
Post-1979 Revolution: Iran’s new regime adopted anti-Israel policies, funding groups like Hezbollah.
Key Triggers: Iran’s nuclear ambitions, support for Hamas, and attacks on Israeli assets.

India’s High-Stakes Balancing Act
Energy Security: 80% of India’s oil imports transit through West Asia. Conflict could spike prices.
9 Million Diaspora: Safety of Indian workers in Israel/Gulf nations is at risk.
Strategic Projects: Instability threatens India’s investments like Chabahar Port (Iran) and I2U2 (Israel-UAE-India-US).
Diplomatic Tightrope: India maintains ties with Israel (defense), Iran (energy), and Arab states (trade).

Key Concepts Simplified
Axis of Resistance: Iran-backed alliance (Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas) against Israel/US.
Houthis: Zaydi Shia rebels in Yemen. Control Sana’a; supported by Iran. Target Red Sea shipping.
Iran’s Nuclear Sites:
Isfahan: Uranium conversion facility.
Fordow: Underground enrichment plant (nearly bomb-proof).
Natanz: Centrifuge production hub.

Global Fallout
U.S. initiated evacuation flights from Israel and may join military ops.
Houthis threatened Red Sea attacks if U.S. intervenes.
IAEA confirmed “extensive damage” at Isfahan but no radiation leak.


Sample Q&A for Exams
Q1: How does the Israel-Iran conflict affect India’s energy security?
A1: West Asia supplies 80% of India’s oil. Conflict disrupts shipping routes (like the Red Sea) and risks price surges, straining India’s economy.
Q2: Explain Iran’s ‘Axis of Resistance’.
*A2: A coalition of Iran-backed groups (Hezbollah, Houthis, Hamas) opposing Israel and Western influence in West Asia through asymmetric warfare.*
Q3: Why is Fordow significant in Iran’s nuclear program?
A3: Fordow is an underground uranium enrichment facility fortified against airstrikes, making it pivotal for Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Q4: Who are the Houthis?
A4: Zaydi Shia rebels in Yemen backed by Iran. They control Sana’a and target Red Sea shipping to support Palestine.
Q5: What is India’s diplomatic stance on the Israel-Iran conflict?
*A5: India balances ties with Israel (defense tech), Iran (Chabahar Port), and Arab states (trade/diaspora), advocating de-escalation to protect regional interests.*