New Delhi [India], June 23: Veteran journalist and West Asia expert Waiel Awwad on Sunday urged India to adopt a proactive diplomatic role in de-escalating the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, which has intensified following coordinated airstrikes by the US and Israel on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Speaking to ANI about Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Awwad stressed that India is not only capable but also well-positioned to mediate peace due to its strategic ties and economic interests in the region.
“Prime Minister Modi has said that this era is not for war. Peace should prevail. India will be affected by the war situation in the GCC countries and the Persian Gulf. Food and oil security will be affected. Around $7 billion of Indian revenue is generated there, so India will suffer,” Awwad warned.
He further highlighted India’s growing global leadership, referencing the successful hosting of the G20 Summit, as a foundation for assuming a larger diplomatic role. “India says it is taking a leadership position… which means India can play a proactive role in stopping this war,” he added.
The call between PM Modi and President Pezeshkian came amid rapidly escalating tensions in West Asia, especially after the US-Israel joint airstrikes on Iran’s key nuclear sites in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow over the weekend.
In a post on X, PM Modi wrote:
“Spoke with President of Iran @drpezeshkian. We discussed in detail about the current situation. Expressed deep concern at the recent escalations. Reiterated our call for immediate de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy as the way forward and for early restoration of regional peace, security and stability.”
According to CNN, the US deployed six B-2 bombers, each dropping GBU-57A/B “bunker buster” bombs — also known as Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOP) — on Fordow, Iran’s most fortified and critical uranium enrichment facility, capable of enriching uranium up to 60%.
In his first public response post-strikes, US President Donald Trump warned Tehran that stronger actions could follow if Iran refuses diplomatic avenues.
“There will be either peace or there will be tragedy for Iran, far greater than we’ve witnessed over the last eight days,” Trump said during a national address from the White House.
The rising tensions have sparked global concern about wider instability across the Middle East, threatening energy supply chains, regional security, and economic stability — issues directly tied to India’s interests in the Gulf region.