LUCKNOW: Union defence minister and Lucknow MP Rajnath Singh on Sunday said that India has maintained a “balanced and composed” diplomatic approach amid the ongoing West Asia crisis, asserting that the country has successfully carried on strong relations with all sides despite escalating tensions between major international players.His remark came hours after the US and Iran failed to reach a deal after marathon talks in Pakistan.Addressing a ’public dialogue program’ in Lucknow, Singh focused on the West Asia situation, and pointed out the growing conflict dynamics between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other. He noted that attacks on US-linked military bases in Gulf countries reflect the seriousness of the crisis and the uncertainty surrounding it.“In such a complex situation, if any country has acted in a truly balanced manner, it is India,” Singh said, underlining the country’s diplomatic maturity.He emphasised that India has managed to maintain cordial ties with both Washington and Tehran, a factor that has helped safeguard its strategic and economic interests.Referring to maritime challenges in the Gulf region, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, Singh said Indian oil tankers have continued operations despite tensions, showcasing the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic engagement.The defence minister also linked this balanced foreign policy to domestic stability, citing how India avoided severe disruptions during the global LPG energy crisis. While many countries faced sharp price hikes and shortages, Singh said India managed the situation without allowing significant escalation in prices.“Prices increased worldwide, but we ensured that the burden on Indian citizens was minimised,” he said, crediting timely government intervention and strategic decisions.Singh acknowledged that uncertainty continues to loom over West Asia, with no clear timeline for the crisis to end.“Even in conditions of uncertainty, India is playing the role expected of a mature and responsible nation,” he said, adding that such balanced diplomacy was not accidental but the result of years of consistent engagement and credibility-building on the global stage.
