Despite India’s geographic position between two nuclear-armed countries, China and Pakistan, the prospect of a nuclear Iran has not caused significant concern in New Delhi, unlike the response from Israel. India is geographically closer to Iran by sea than it is to Israel by land, which also shapes its strategic perspective.
Geostrategist Brahma Chellaney explains that India has historically relied on the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and other independent assessments, which indicate that Iran has not pursued the development of nuclear weapons. Unlike Israel, India does not view Iran as an adversary, despite occasional hostile statements from Tehran, including remarks by former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Chellaney, the possibility of a nuclear-armed Iran has “stirred little anxiety in New Delhi over the years.”
The February 28 conflict, as stated by the White House, aimed to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Last year, US and Israeli forces reportedly targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, with former President Trump claiming that Iran’s nuclear capability had been significantly degraded. Iranian media, however, reported that the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan Natanz enrichment complex was struck but confirmed no radioactive leaks or danger to nearby residents. Israel stated it was unaware of the attack, while the IAEA confirmed that an investigation was underway.
Subsequent reports from Iran indicated strikes on a passenger terminal in Bushehr and an empty passenger ship near Kharg Island, which is a key site for Iranian oil exports and a potential target in the event of US military action against Iran’s energy infrastructure.
In retaliation, Iran launched drone attacks on US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, which are used to stage operations against Iranian positions in the Gulf. Following these developments, Saudi Arabia declared Iran’s military attaché and four other diplomats persona non grata, ordering them to leave the country.
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