Wednesday, June, 03,2026

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ESCALATION IN IRAN-ISRAEL HOSTILITIES: INDIAN PERSPECTIVE

Though it’s been years of enmity between Israel and Iran, but both the countries have been on a continuous collision path since eruption of war between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip in Oct 2023. The current escalation in hostilities between Israel and Iran are result of Israeli strike on an Iranian consular building in Syria’s Damascus on 01 April 2024 that killed 12 people, including a senior general and in retaliation to this Iran fired scores of drones, cruise missiles and ballistic missiles in Israeli territory. Countries across the world have taken sides of either party with the US and allies on Israeli side and many Arab countries and Russia on Iranian side. The terror outfits like the Hamas, Hezbollah have been jubilant over Iranian attack on Israel. However, a potential response by Israel threatens to escalate the situation and expand the conflict, a point of big worry for everyone including India. Most countries favour restraint from both sides and maximising efforts for avoiding any further escalation, yet the situation remains fragile and uncertain in the region.

Iran has never recognized Israel and the Quds Force of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Council (IRGC) supports the Shiite Lebanese militant group Hezbollah militarily and financially, and has used it to carry out attacks against Israeli and US interests in the region. Iran has also been strongly critical of Israeli actions against the Palestinians and Hezbollah fighters have engaged the Israel Defence Forces on the Lebanon-Israel border ever since the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas in southern Israel. Israel sees Iran as an existential threat accusing its regime of harboring genocidal intentions. Consequently, Israel has sought sanctions and military action against Iran to stop it from acquiring nuclear weapons. Israel and the US have targeted the IRGC and the Quds personnel and Headquarters based in Syria. The latest Israeli attack killed the Quds senior general Israel carried out a strike on Iran’s consulate in Damascus on April 1, killing seven Revolutionary Guards including two generals and prompting warnings from Tehran that it would respond.

India is friendly with both, Israel and Iran, and maintains a balanced relationship with both. A potential escalation of direct hostilities between Israel and Iran could adversely impact India. As an immediate and most appropriate response to the escalation of hostilities in the region, India has expressed its serious concerns and called for an “immediate de-escalation.”

India has a very deep strategic relationship with Israel, especially in the context of defence and security partnership. In the last decade or so, it has grown and has been made public - unlike in the past. This has led to India lending support to Israel in the first few hours of the last year October terrorist attacks by Hamas. The two sides have strong concerns about extremism and terrorism, as both have suffered during the 26 /11 Mumbai terror attacks. Israel has also emerged as a major defence supplier along with the US, France and Russia, and has been a reliable support during times of crisis including the Kargil war in 1999.

India also has maintained strategic and friendly relationship with Iran, as Tehran has been one of the major suppliers of crude - which has suffered setbacks due to sanctions. Besides both countries have shared concerns on terrorism emanating from Pakistan and Afghanistan. The two countries have similar concerns on Taliban’s treatment of minorities and the lack of an inclusive and representative government in Kabul. Chabahar Port is another strategic economic project, which acts as a gateway to Afghanistan and Central Asia and European nations - since Pakistan denies land transit to Indian goods.

IMPACT ON INDIA

In recent years, there have been diplomatic verbal face-offs between the Israeli ambassador and the Iranian embassy in Delhi, but India has been able to convince both sides to calm down and maintain restraint in a friendly third country. The possibility of escalation of direct hostilities between Israel and Iran has some direct consequences for India like there are about 15,000- 20,000 Indians in Israel and about 8,000 -10,000 Indians in Iran and about 90 lakh people are living and working in the Gulf and West Asia region whose work and life will be at risk. Secondly, India’s economic interests are tied to energy security and the West Asia region contributes to India’s 80 per cent of oil supplies any escalation of conflict in the region will adversely impact energy prices. India has friendly ties with almost all Arab countries and treats the middle east region as its extended neighbourhood, and it has been working with all sides in the turbulent region to push for the IndiaMiddle-East-Europe Economic corridor which has strategic and economic benefits for India. A conflict has the potential to unravel the consensus that has been built around the peace in the otherwise combustible region.

WAY FORWARD

India has very difficult choices at the moment as both Iran-Israel are important to India for its national interests. The issue will get further compounded if the conflict escalates inviting a direct entry of the US with its allies and Russia with its allies. India can initiate dialogue with the US expanding the bandwidth to the RussiaUkraine War, Israel-Hamas War, Houthis interference in the Red Sea and finally situation where China escalates conflict in the South China Sea for integration of Taiwan or other such claims to obviate another potential IranIsrael conflict.

India needs to engage with Israel for restraint as Iranian actions were a direct consequence of Israeli attack on an Iranian complex in Damascus. Now that Israel has averted any casualties from Iranian attack with the help of US and the US has distanced from Israel in any direct counter attack on Iran, India must proactively engage with the USA, Iran, Russia and Israel to ensure that this conflict is contained. India must fasttrack the completion of Chabahar Port in Iran and persuade Israel to establish defence manufacturing facilities in India to gain additional leverage with both Iran and Israel.

India has to maintain momentum gained post G-20 Summit where it emerged as voice of global South, exhibit neutral stance when it comes to the US and China - Russia alliance and follow assertive diplomacy to fulfil its obligations in the new emerging world order.

THE VIEWS EXPRESSED BY THE AUTHOR ARE PERSONAL

Col Rajesh Bhukar The writer is a Post Graduate in International Studies, Alumni of Defence Services Staff College, Wellington and College of Combat, Mhow rbhukar1@gmail.com

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Daily Astro

03-06-2026

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Aries

Ganesha says it will be an important day for you, Aries. Your energy and confidence are ready to take you to new heights. Today you will be able to express your thoughts with clarity, which will increase your communication skills. New opportunities may arise in the working areas, which you have to be ready to take advantage of. In social life, you can make new meetings, which will prove beneficial for you in the future. This day will be good for solving family issues, and you will be able to establish better relations with your close ones. In the field of health, take care of your routine and resort to yoga or meditation to relieve mental stress. Controlling your expenses will be a smart move, as any sudden financial need may arise. Overall, this day is for you to stay positive, just use your insight and energy properly.

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Pisces

Ganesha says it is going to be a positive day for you. Your sensitivity and intuition will flourish today, allowing you to establish better connections between yourself and others. It is time to connect with someone or refresh old memories. Try to communicate with people close to you, as it will strengthen your relationships. In the field of work, your creativity will be cyclical today. If you are working on a project, your ideas will be new and full of innovation. Do not be afraid to share your ideas, it will give you positive feedback from your colleagues. In terms of financial condition, avoid any big investments. Small expenses will prove to be justified but think well before making any big decisions for the long term. In terms of health, focus on a balanced diet and regular exercise. For mental health, practicing meditation or yoga will help keep you stress-free.

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Aquarius

Ganesha says new opportunities are likely to open up for you. You will be in a position to take your creative abilities to new heights. This is the time to share your ideas and make new plans. Your friends and family will support your ideas, so it will be beneficial to take their advice into account. Positive changes are possible in business. This is the right time to work on an important project. You will get an opportunity to use your skills and knowledge properly. But, be careful; in some cases, you will need to control your emotions. In personal life, relationships will deepen. You will try to spend more time with your loved ones. This is a good time for love and companionship. Enjoy emotional moments that will make your relationships stronger. Be health conscious. Dedication to yoga and meditation will give you mental peace. These activities will keep not only your body but also your mind active. Overall, today will be full of possibilities for you. Stay committed to your dreams and work on them.

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Capricorn

Ganesha says your day is full of some new possibilities. You will experience grace and stability in your actions. This is the time to focus on your goals and work with determination to pursue your plans. You are likely to get success in your work, especially if you maintain your hard work and dedication. Positive changes can also be seen in your relationships. You will get a chance to spend time with family and listen to them, which will increase mutual understanding and depth. Focus on communication, as it will make your relationships stronger. However, it is also time to make monthly plans. Take care of your financial matters and try to save. This is the time when you can take concrete steps for your future. Your health condition is likely to remain normal but take some rest. Maintaining a mental balance will be important for you. Stay positive and keep faith in your actions!

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Sagittarius

Ganesha says today will be full of new possibilities and positive energy for you. You will feel a rise in your confidence, which will keep you open to new opportunities. This is the right time to make an important decision. Your spirituality and intuition will be strong, which will enable you to understand and face difficulties. Spending time with friends and family will awaken a sense of happiness and satisfaction in your mind. Relationships with colleagues at work can take a new direction. Cooperation and communication will help solve problems. If you face an obstacle or challenge, remember that you can overcome it. In terms of health, you may need to make a little improvement in your routine. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will give you freshness and energy. Strengthening social relationships and contacting new people will also be beneficial today. This is the time for self-growth and positive change for you, so recognize the energy within you and use it properly.

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Scorpio

Ganesha says today will be full of enthusiasm and energy. You will move towards achieving your goals, and your hard work will pay off. Social life will also be active; you will get a good chance to spend time with friends and family. In terms of health, take a little caution. Focusing on meditation and exercise will help reduce mental stress. This is also a good time to take up a new hobby, which can unleash your creativity. Take wise steps in terms of money. Make informed decisions while investing. For potential financial gains, take a look at past projects again. Your career is showing good signs of progress. Your ideas may be appreciated at the workplace, which will increase your confidence. Still, some issues may require restraint. Overall, today will prove to be positive and auspicious for you. Spend it with pride with your loved ones.

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Libra

Ganesha says today will be a very auspicious and positive day. You will get a chance to clarify your thoughts, which will bring stability to your personal and professional relationships. Your communication skills will increase, and this will open the doors of new possibilities for you. Your creativity and aesthetic sense will be especially strong today. If you are associated with any art or design, your work will be appreciated. This is the right time to express your feelings. If you are confused about a decision, trust your intuition; it will show you the right path. In terms of health, small changes can make your life better. Focus on regular exercise and a balanced diet. In love and relationships, a new understanding will develop, which will strengthen the mutual bond even more. Overall, this day is a sign of positive changes and new beginnings for you. Stay focused on your goals and recognize your inner strengths.

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Virgo

Ganesha says today is a suitable day to highlight your cognitive abilities and business skills. Today, you will be full of clarity and precision in your actions, which will increase your value among your colleagues and superiors. There is a possibility of bringing some changes to your routine, which will bring positive results for you. This is a good time to improve relations with family members. Try to resolve any old disputes, and keep communication open. In terms of health, meditation and yoga will bring mental peace. Also, take some time out of your routine for exercise. From a financial point of view, this is the right time to make a good plan for the right investment. Take a good look at the options available to you and make a wise decision. Overall, today will prove to be a day of new possibilities and positive changes for you. Be full of confidence and stay focused on your goals.

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Leo

Ganesha says today will be a day full of energy and inspiration. Your confidence will increase and your thoughts will come out with clarity. On this day, you will be able to see some new possibilities in your career, which will bring you hard work. Mutual understanding and harmony will increase your relationship, which will create a happy atmosphere among the family. This is a great time to express your thoughts clearly, so do not hesitate to communicate with your partner or friends. It is important to be health conscious, a little exercise and meditation will maintain your mental and physical health. Overall, this day will bring activity and positivity for you, so make the most of all the opportunities!

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Cancer

Ganesha says it will be a day of information and communication for you. Your mind will be full of ideas and you will be able to express your ideas well. There is a possibility of some new opportunities in professional life, which can prove beneficial for you. It is a good time to strengthen relationships with your colleagues, so work together at the workplace. Your emotional state will also be strong. Time spent with family will give you satisfaction. If you have any old problem going on, then the right time is coming to solve it. However, you need to keep your emotions under control, so that you do not get agitated over small things. In terms of health, try to practice yoga and meditation. It will empower you both mentally and physically. Take informed decisions in financial matters; do not rush into any investments. In summary, this day will be all about communication and cooperation, which will lead to positive changes for you.

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Gemini

Ganesha says there will be a new energy and freshness in your thoughts, which will make your personality even more attractive. Social contacts are likely to increase, which will expand your network. You will be inspired to spend blissful time with your friends and family. Some positive changes can also be seen in the business sector. The results of your hard work will gradually start coming, and this will motivate you to move forward. Keep in mind that while sharing your ideology, work with empathy, this will strengthen your relationship with colleagues. It is important to be health conscious. A little attention and relaxation will give you mental freshness. Practicing yoga or meditation will be beneficial for you. This day will be full of positivity and new possibilities for you. Express your mind openly and do not hesitate to adopt new ideas.

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Taurus

Ganesha says it will prove to be a positive day for you, Taurus. You will feel energetic and full of confidence. The time has come to reap the fruits of your hard work and efforts. The workload may stress you for a while, but you will face all the challenges recognizing your strengths. Sweetness will also remain in your relationships. Spending time with your family and friends will be a source of joy for you. Conversation with someone special can give you a new vision and promote mutual understanding. A special occasion may be organized among friends or family, which will bring happiness and harmony to you. Moments spent with loved ones will give you mental peace. It is important to be health conscious. A little exercise or yoga will give peace to your mind and energy to your body. Your day will be full of happiness and positivity, just keep your thoughts and emotions balanced.

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03-06-2026