India can play important role: UN urges ceasefire as Iran–Israel war escalates

IANS | March 14, 2026 12:25 PM

New Delhi, March 14 (IANS) The United Nations Human Rights Office has warned that the ongoing Iran–Israel conflict is rapidly escalating with serious humanitarian, economic, and global consequences, urging all parties to move towards an immediate ceasefire and stronger diplomatic efforts from influential countries including India to help de-escalate the crisis.

Amid geopolitical fragmentation, India maintains constructive ties across competing blocs

Sarabjeet S Parmar | March 13, 2026 9:37 PM

New Delhi: The ongoing conflict in West Asia, particularly the rising escalation involving the US, Israel, and Iran, has sucked in the Gulf states and has created one of the most volatile environments in recent decades. For India, whose economic and strategic interests are deeply tied to West Asia, the crisis presents both challenges and opportunities. New Delhi has responded with a carefully calibrated policy of strategic neutrality, emphasising restraint, dialogue, and diplomatic engagement rather than overt alignment with any side. This posture reflects India’s broader foreign policy doctrine of strategic autonomy and plurilateralism, which seeks to maintain balanced relationships with multiple actors.

ASEAN FMs discuss implications of Middle East conflict

IANS | March 13, 2026 5:12 PM

Manila, March 13 (IANS) The Foreign ministers of Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Friday emphasised the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities in the Middle East, calling upon all parties concerned to exercise utmost self-restraint, avoid any acts that may further aggravate the situation, and resolve differences through diplomacy and dialogue in the interest of maintaining peace and stability in the wider region.