India's strategy of balancing competing interests in West Asia is under strain due to the Iran conflict, shifting regional alignments, and a re-emerging Pakistan.
West Asia analyst Kabir Taneja discussed the implications of these geopolitical shifts on India's West Asia policy in a recent episode of the "Grand Tamasha" podcast.
Taneja highlighted Israel's growing centrality to Indian foreign and defence policy, with India viewing Israel as a key supplier of high-end defence technologies.
However, Taneja expressed skepticism about Pakistan's newfound prominence as a mediator in West Asia, citing its lack of capacity and foresight.
He also questioned the viability of India's strategy of multialignment, suggesting that India's hedging strategy would continue due to the benefits of not taking positions on regional conflicts.
Taneja emphasized that India must confront whether it wants to be a global heavyweight in geopolitics, which would require a shift towards grand strategy rather than short-term electoral gains.
