India’s long-standing policy of ‘strategic autonomy’—maintaining balanced relations with major global powers—faces new challenges amid rising tensions involving Iran. For over a decade, New Delhi has engaged with multiple blocs, including the Quad with the United States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization with China, BRICS with Russia, and I2U2 with Israel and the UAE. The approach has aimed to protect national interests without overdependence on any single partner.

Recent developments around Iran have disrupted this balance, particularly affecting India’s priorities of ensuring expatriate safety, countering terrorism in neighboring states, and securing oil and gas supplies. Although diplomatic efforts have intensified, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar contacting Iranian leaders, only two Indian gas tankers have been cleared to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Reuters reported that 22 Indian vessels remain detained in the region.

The release of these ships may depend on India returning three seized Iranian vessels or sending medical supplies to Tehran. However, such moves risk straining India’s ties with Washington, which previously allowed limited Russian oil purchases under specific conditions.