His comments came hours after the United States and Iran failed to reach an agreement after marathon talks in Pakistan.Addressing the Open Dialogue Program in Lucknow, Singh focused on the situation in West Asia and noted the growing conflict dynamics between the United States and Israel, as well as between Iran. He pointed out that attacks on military bases in Gulf countries with links to the United States reflected the seriousness of the crisis and the uncertainty surrounding it.“In such a complex situation, if any country acts in a truly balanced manner, it is India,” Singh said, underscoring the country’s diplomatic maturity.He emphasized that India has successfully maintained friendly relations with Washington and Tehran, which helps safeguard its strategic and economic interests.Talking about the maritime challenges in the Gulf, especially around the Strait of Hormuz, Singh said that despite the tense situation, Indian oil tankers continued to operate, demonstrating the effectiveness of India’s diplomatic engagement.The defense minister also linked this balanced foreign policy to domestic stability and cited how India avoided severe disruption during the global LPG energy crisis. Singh said that while many countries faced sharp price hikes and shortages, India controlled the situation without allowing sharp price hikes.“Prices are rising globally but we ensure that the burden on Indian citizens is minimized,” he said, crediting the government’s timely intervention and strategic decisions.Singh admitted that uncertainty continues to hang over West Asia and there is no clear timetable for the end of the crisis.“Even amid uncertainty, India is playing its role as a mature and responsible country,” he said, adding that this balanced diplomacy was no accident but the result of years of sustained engagement and credibility building on the global stage.
