THE IRAN–UNITED STATES CONFLICT AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA: GEOPOLITICAL RECONFIGURATION, ENERGY SECURITY, AND STRATEGIC AUTONOMY

Abstract

Iran–United States conflict has had a significant impact on the geopolitics of West Asia, on the regional security, energy markets, and maritime trade and strategic relations. The region plays a special role in Indian interests, given its energy needs, huge expatriate population, connectivity efforts, and maritime interests. This paper discusses the transformation of west Asian geopolitics in the wake of the Iran–US conflict and its strategic consequences for India. It is based on academic research and literature, policy research and contemporary sources using qualitative method and addresses the issues of energy security, connectivity, maritime security and India's diplomatic engagement. The paper concludes that India's strategic autonomy and multi-alignment offers New Delhi the flexibility to keep relations with key regional and global actors positive without losing the upper hand in the game of preserving India's national interests. It also suggests that the evolving regional dynamics also offer opportunities to India to broaden its strategic and diplomatic presence in West Asia.