AMIDST WAR CLOUDS, NARENDRA MODI IS THE ONLY CREDIBLE VOICE FOR PEACE: Dr CHANDRA

In the latest offering of the JC Show, Dr Jagdeesh Chandra stated that at a time when global tensions are escalating, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a credible international voice for peace, reiterating that war is not a solution and dialogue remains the only path forward. He stressed that Modi’s larger mediation role may unfold once hostilities cool. On the risk of a wider conflict, Dr Chandra cautioned that much depends on Donald Trump’s approach, Iran’s response, and whether NATO, Russia or China escalates involvement, warning that the threat of a broader war appears more serious than in decades. He also noted possible geopolitical manoeuvring by regional players, assured that India stands ready to evacuate its citizens, and observed that the crisis may strengthen domestic political positions in Israel and the United States. Excerpts...

• Today’s JC Show headline reads: ‘Amid war clouds, Modi bats for peace.’ What exactly does this signify?
  Dr Jagdeesh Chandra: You are absolutely correct. At a time when much of the world appears to be in conflict with one another, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emerges as perhaps the only credible global voice advocating stability, peace, and dialogue. His credibility is international, and nations across regions repose trust in his neutrality. Countries have confidence in his impartial approach. You have already seen during the RussiaUkraine War that ultimately, both sides turned to him in the search for a pathway to peace. Modi has consistently maintained that war is not a solution and that only dialogue and diplomacy can resolve conflicts. Similar circumstances are taking shape again today. Therefore, it can be said with conviction that Narendra Modi is batting for peace and stability. In the days ahead, the relevance, importance, and practical value of his principles and guiding ideals are likely to become even more evident.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has just returned from Israel, and meanwhile, tensions have escalated into a major confrontation involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. As a peace maker, what role do you see for Narendra Modi in this entire episode?
  The actual role of Narendra Modi will likely begin a few days from now. At present, he has issued a formal statement appealing to all sides to maintain peace, exercise restraint, and keep channels of dialogue open. He has emphasised the importance of stability and respect for the sovereignty of nations. That is his initial position in this sector.
  Once the hostilities cool down and the situation stabilises to some extent, there will be a need for a credible international mediator, a trusted face for dialogue. At that stage, Narendra Modi’s name is likely to emerge once again. His larger and more substantive role in any peace mission would begin at that point.
• Do you believe that President Trump’s authoritarian tendencies are a major reason behind the current tensions? Could this become the trigger for a Third World War?
  Apparently, it may seem so. However, whether a world war breaks out depends on several factors. First and foremost, it depends on the discretion and attitude of Donald Trump, whether he demonstrates diplomatic wisdom or continues with a confrontational approach, as has often been seen in the past, taking unilateral decisions and executing them without regard for consequences.
  As of now, he has clearly stated that Iranian forces must surrender or be prepared to face death. He has also indicated that the deaths of seven or eight personnel will be avenged and that the objective has not yet been fully achieved. This suggests that the situation remains volatile, with the prospect of further escalation.
  Another important factor is historical memory. In 1979, the United States faced a major embarrassment in Tehran when the American embassy was surrounded by protesters. The siege lasted 444 days. Sixty-six Americans were taken hostage, and eventually 52 were released after nearly a year in captivity. It was seen as a significant blow to American prestige. That episode remains in institutional memory.
  Despite this, there appears to be a determination to push forward. Whether a wider war erupts will also depend on Iran’s response, whether Iran moves towards engagement with Trump or adopts a more confrontational path. Whether Iran, under pressure from President Trump or due to prevailing circumstances, come forward for negotiations, that remains uncertain. Donald Trump had earlier claimed that Iran was ready for talks, but that assertion proved incorrect. Iran has now stated clearly that it is not prepared for negotiations and will fight until the very last moment. It has also been said that the conflict was initiated by the other side and that it will decide how it ends. The situation has reached a point where Iran appears prepared for a fight to the finish.
  A third critical factor is the eventual position taken by Russia and China. A fourth is President Trump’s statement that he may involve NATO. If NATO steps in, even partially, the scale of the conflict could widen significantly. Although some NATO members, such as Spain and Norway, are reportedly not in agreement, they are smaller countries, and the question remains how many would openly oppose Trump’s position given his current stature after recent developments.
  If NATO formally enters the conflict and major powers such as France and Britain become directly involved, the situation could assume the dimensions of a world war. Much depends on the posture adopted by these major nations. It can be argued that for the first time in the past 50 years, the threat of a Third World War is emerging as a serious possibility.
  President Vladimir Putin has even remarked that the world must be prepared for the possibility of large-scale radiation in the event of a nuclear war and consider how to respond to such a scenario. This suggests that such an outcome is being contemplated at the highest levels. Ultimately, much will depend on how events unfold in the coming days.
• In the event of a world war–like situation, would China and Russia have the courage to stand openly with Iran?
  At present, their response appears limited to diplomatic rhetoric. Both countries have confined themselves largely to statements, saying that President Donald Trump has violated international law and that the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is against international norms and morally unjustifiable.
  Russia has stated that Khamenei had played a key role in building and strengthening the strategic relationship between Iran and Russia. China, going a step further, has said that any attempt by the United States to engineer regime change would be unethical and a violation of national sovereignty.
  There were expectations in some quarters that if confirmation of Khamenei’s death emerged, certain nations might directly intervene. However, global powers are acting cautiously. The United States is widely perceived as the dominant force in terms of military strength, intelligence capability, and institutional systems. For now, neither Russia nor China appears ready to escalate matters immediately.
  It is possible that they are waiting to see whether the United States becomes further entangled in the conflict, much as it did in Vietnam in the past, or as Russia is currently engaged in Ukraine. Allowing the situation to deepen before deciding on a course of action may be their strategic calculation. At this stage, an immediate and major move by Russia or China does not seem likely.
• Is it true that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia played a double role in this entire crisis?
  It is possible, though not conclusively established. A younger generation of rulers has emerged in several countries—leaders educated abroad whose value systems and political approaches may differ from those of older monarchs or traditional rulers. Compared to previous generations, their credibility and decisionmaking frameworks are sometimes viewed as less seasoned, and a degree of immaturity cannot be entirely ruled out.
  The Washington Post has reportedly claimed that two individuals influenced President Donald Trump in this matter. According to the report, discussions had taken place earlier, but failed to produce results, despite repeated assertions, echoing the position of Narendra Modi, that even if nations agree to disagree, dialogue should continue.
  The report suggests that one of the figures who encouraged Trump was the Israeli Prime Minister, and the other was the Saudi Crown Prince. It further claims that there were multiple rounds of conversations between Trump and the Crown Prince, during which the latter allegedly urged a more assertive course of action.
  While definitive evidence is not publicly available, the possibility that a dual or nuanced role may have been played cannot be entirely ruled out.
• Will the Government of India take steps to evacuate Indian nationals stranded in the UAE and other countries?
  Yes, absolutely. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally concerned about the situation. The issue was discussed in the recent meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security. The government is prepared to act as soon as conditions normalise. India has significant experience in evacuating its citizens from crisis zones and has brought back thousands on previous occasions.
  Union Minister Kiren Rijiju has indicated that the government is monitoring the situation and waiting for the right moment to operate special flights. At present, there are no immediate points of grave concern regarding safety. However, anxiety levels remain high. Around one crore Indians reside across six Arab nations, including nearly 40 lakh in Dubai alone. Thousands are currently stranded, and families back home remain worried.
  While there is no direct security threat at the moment, the government is expected to move swiftly when circumstances permit. Officials maintain there is nothing to worry about, and most citizens are considered safe.
• Do you believe that the conflict with Iran could benefit Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming Israeli elections and Donald Trump in the US midterm elections?
  Political gains cannot be ruled out. It is often observed that leaders seek strong international associations to bolster domestic credibility. In this context, both Donald Trump and Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may find that the current conflict has consolidated support at home.
  Netanyahu’s domestic standing appears strengthened in the present circumstances. As for Trump, much will depend on how events unfold, whether he emerges as a decisive leader or faces complications. At this moment, however, both leaders appear to have gained political momentum.
  Israel has faced international criticism, including proceedings at the International Court of Justice. In such circumstances, public alignment with globally accepted leaders like Narendra Modi enhances international image and credibility. Any political advantage derived from that association may also translate into electoral benefit.
• How did Ali Khamenei die in the attack?
  According to available reports, Ali Khamenei was in a meeting at his residence, reportedly along with 48 top leaders, including senior generals and defence officials. During that time, the United States allegedly deployed around 200 fighter jets and dropped approximately 1,200 bombs. The compound was struck, leading to massive destruction. Khamenei’s body was reportedly recovered from beneath the rubble, along with members of his family.
  Two major questions arise. First, what happened to Iran’s air defence system? How were such large-scale aerial movements undetected? Second, reports suggest that China had supplied air defence infrastructure, raising questions about its effectiveness.
  Another question concerns prior intelligence. If there were indications of possible targeting days in advance, why were additional precautions not taken? There had reportedly been earlier claims that his location had been identified in the past. Why was relocation not considered this time? The gathering of multiple top officials in one location has also raised concerns, making the episode appear extraordinary in scale and coordination.
  These questions remain central to understanding the full circumstances of the attack.

During the show #JConModiBats4Peace trended top All-India on X