Opinion: This time, cheers for Pakistan

Some in India are angry at Pakistan’s role as mediator on the issue
Iran war. They should think more.

It’s a ceasefire in which the warring parties won’t stop firing – and
Things could get worse. Hormuz is more closed than open. Whether it is the United States——
Whether the Iran-Islamabad meeting will take place is still not entirely certain.
If it happens, will a valid agreement be reached?
Still not sure.

Nonetheless, Pakistan’s role as a middleman remains a fact.
Washington and Tehran held talks via Islamabad and gave
Credit.

Any rational nation-state, especially a very large oil importer, should
Welcomes all efforts to arrange a ceasefire, as the Israeli Government has
Wednesday. But India seems a little shocked
About Mediation in Pakistan, Not Just Mediation on Social Media
The shouting brigade. Before reacting emotionally, it’s worth thinking
It all passed peacefully.

In international politics, results matter far more than optics —
For now, any effort to reduce conflict is in India’s interest. so,
This reaction is puzzling. Why Pakistan’s role should diminish India’s
Your own feelings? As a large energy importing country and a rapidly developing country
Economically, any attempt to prevent war would be beneficial to India. Those ones
Those claiming to represent their core self-interests should know this:
Nothing is more important than free-flowing, cheaper hydrocarbons.

The identity of the mediator should be more important than the success of the mediation
Mediation itself. If Pakistan is helping pass messages between the U.S.
and Iran, if that eases tensions a little bit, that’s a net
Positive.

So why the anxiety? Part of the answer lies in perception. For many people,
It feels counterintuitive for Pakistan to play a constructive diplomatic role;
Even disturbing. But international relations is not about comfort—
They are about profit. A rational state would evaluate based on actions
About the results. From India’s perspective, stable oil supplies and
Lower prices are more important than who gets credibility
Broker peace.

Also, look at the history. Despite its many problems, Pakistan does not
New to mediating between big actors. Kissinger and the Pakistanis
Official support, pretended to be sick while visiting Pakistan, and made
Secret visit to China, paving the way for the meeting between Nixon and Mao Zedong
1972.

This pattern continues. military and political leadership of pakistan
has long sought to maintain influence by engaging with powerful countries,
Even if these powers are sworn rivals…these are innate skills
Inevitability – Pakistan must make itself useful to the big boys or it will
At the risk of losing your indulgence. As a result, it becomes increasingly impossible
Affordable – because, for one thing, it will deplete foreign exchange reserves.

An economically and politically fragile country will often seek
Relevance is achieved by acting as an intermediary. In this case, both parties
Washington and Tehran need a malleable player as a channel of communication
Communication, Pakistan is willing and willing. pakistan has
It’s been a year of cozying up to Trump. Munir and Sharif
Already flattering him.

But this is not the game India plays. India’s operational position is
Greater economic and geopolitical power. it didn’t hesitate
Take independent stances – even if they differ from the West
preferences.

India continues to buy some Russian oil despite pressure from Russia.
Trump also addressed trade tensions, including tariff disputes
Elasticity. According to the World Bank and
IMF, India remains one of fastest
Major economies continue to grow, giving them more room to maneuver
Diplomatically. India has reached the point where the trade deal with the US is back in force
table.

This is because today India is at the top of global rankings
batting order and can try to build an innings. No need
In the same way it “proves” its usefulness. On the contrary, it has the ability to undertake
A longer view – you could call it a test-matching approach
Diplomacy, not quick fix T20 style. it builds partnerships
Play steadily, balance relationships, and focus on long-term interests.
But that doesn’t mean India should ignore or resent
When others align with its interests. if pakistan mediates
Help reduce tensions, even temporarily, which helps the global
stability—and in turn, India’s economic well-being. Oil down
Prices, route stability, and reduced geopolitical risks are all
direct benefits.

Ultimately, this is a pragmatic question. National interest is not
It’s a matter of pride or competition; it’s about results. India’s core interests,
Especially as a large and growing economy, the key is to ensure access to
Affordable energy. As New Delhi has repeatedly emphasized, energy
Security is at the core of economic growth.

So instead of worrying about who is playing mediator, worry about
The important question is: does it help bring peace, or at least prevent
upgrade? If the answer is yes, then the logical response is
Welcome it.

After all, diplomacy is not a zero-sum game. The role of a country
Do not lower the status of others. India’s position in the world is
Shaped by its strengths – economics, strategic choices and

Its ability to think long term. Distracted by who got it
Focusing on the spotlight in times of crisis misses the bigger picture.
In times like these, a little less emotion and a little more logic will do the trick
Go the long way.

End of article