“We are balancing it right. There is no other way. We cannot tilt. We cannot tilt. This is called smart diplomacy, everyone treats you well and we have to continue doing that so that the Indian diaspora is safe,” Sharma told ANI.
His remarks, like those of colleague Shashi Tharoor, conflicted with Congress’ stance on India’s support for Iran.
The government has argued that India must remain neutral, in part because of concerns about the nearly 900,000 nationals working in Gulf countries that have been targeted by Iran.
Sharma praised Indian diplomats in the Gulf states. “We have to support them. They are holding the tricolor high. They are working for our people,” he said.
Sharma also urged India to take the lead in mobilizing global South and strategic partner countries to work together to restore peace and order in West Asia.
Sharma said India and other countries that rely on imports of crude oil, LPG and natural gas from the region are facing unprecedented challenges, noting, “We are facing today one of the worst energy crises in history.”
“This national dialogue must continue. National unity and a mature response guided by national interests are the need of the hour,” he said.
