India finds itself in unchartered territory in the wake of the US-Israel strikes against Iran, especially in the wake of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, of balancing ties between an old friend and a strategic partner.The need to ensure the safety of 10 million Indians employed across the arc of West Asia is adding to New Delhi’s immediate woes. Already, fears are being expressed about an upward spike in crude oil prices.Hours after the joint strikes, which were followed by Iran retaliating against US bases in several Gulf countries, the Ministry of External Affairs said, “We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians.”Sources said India would prefer to lie low for the moment. “Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected,” the statement added.Deepika Saraswat, an associate fellow at the Institute of Defence Studies and Analysis and an expert on Iran’s foreign policy and geopolitical developments in West Asia and Eurasia, explained, “India may not want to be seen taking sides for now. Our interest lies in a stable West Asia”.Hours prior to India’s statement, Saudi Arabia not just condemned Iranian aggression, it offered the Gulf countries “all its capabilities at their disposal in support of any measures they may undertake”. It also warned of “grave consequences” resulting from continued violation of states’ sovereignty. The Saudis hold some of the latest military gadgetry sourced from the US and Europe.Defence Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh, speaking at an event hosted by a news channel ‘News 18’, said, “We have a large diaspora. We will have to continue to maintain our strategic partnerships. The events are moving pretty fast.”The MEA, while addressing the issue of safety of Indians, said all its missions in the region were in touch with Indian nationals and had issued appropriate advisories asking them to remain vigilant, stay in contact with the missions and follow local security guidance.With air space closed and 10 million Indians working in the Gulf, evacuation would need time. “The next two-three days are crucial as Iran’s missiles are good as long as its electronic warfare is intact. The US may try and destroy that and Teheran may retaliate,” a military analyst said.India has civilisational, economic, energy, geopolitical and diasporic ties not only with Iran or Israel, but the wider Gulf region.