There are presently two battlegrounds in West Asia that pose a threat to regional stability and, if left unchecked, have the potential to escalate into a bigger conflict. The first theatre is Gaza, where Israel and Hamas are at war as a result of Hamas’ October 7 strikes. The second theatre is Pakistan-Iran, where both sides are accusing the other of failing to stop the spread of separatist terrorists on their territory.
Pakistan responded to Iran’s attack earlier this week by initiating an intelligence-based operation code-named “Marg Bar Sarmachar,” in which it claims to have killed a few terrorists when Pakistan Air Force struck Baloch separatist camps inside Iran. Iran accused Pakistan of failing to contain the Sunni terrorist group Jaish-al Adl, alleging it is conducting anti-Iranian activities from Pakistani soil.
US is furious with Iran
Qatar is under intense pressure since the US and Israel are prepared to punish the West Asian country for its involvement in the Hamas bombings and for actively supporting the Palestinian organization. The US is furious with Iran for supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, and Israel has threatened to invade Lebanon if external backing for Hezbollah persists. Following the Islamic State’s (ISIS) claim to have carried out the Kerman blasts, Iran launched strikes in north Syria in an attempt to destroy ISIS strongholds. Iran also launched an attack on Erbil, Iraq, alleging that the Kurdish-populated area was home to the Mossad regional headquarters.
Pakistan was the target of the third attack
Pakistan was the target of the third attack, which took place in Jaish-al-Adl strongholds. The strike stunned Pakistan, and the Pakistan Army was compelled to attack ahead of the polls to avoid seeming weak in front of the voters.
The impact on India
Concerns about the Houthi attacks on international commerce and the Gaza conflict have affected several nations, including India, politically as well as economically.
The attacks on cargo containers by the Houthis are having an impact on international trade and transport. These strikes will likely have a lasting effect on many countries, including the US, the UK, and coalition members Guardian Prosperity, forcing them to step up their engagement with Yemen and, consequently, with Iran. According to Ruchira Kamboj, India’s permanent ambassador to the UN, India has maintained open lines of communication and is interacting with authorities in both Israel and Palestine. This was stated earlier this month. India has further sent humanitarian supplies to the population in Palestine affected by the conflict.
According to a story in the Hindustan Times, Tehran informed S Jaishankar, the Union minister of external affairs, during his visit to Iran that it had little to no authority over the Houthis.
According to the report, when the Iranian national security advisor visits India later this month or in the first few days of February, the reasons for Tehran’s decision to strike targets within Pakistan will become somewhat more apparent.
The assaults on Iran by Jaish-al-Adl further demonstrate that India was correct to draw attention to the fact that Pakistan has served as a safe haven for terrorists for many years, which affects not only India but also other countries in the region. This could make it easier for the international community to return its attention to Pakistan and the terror networks that have established themselves there. International regulatory bodies may put pressure on Pakistan to take tougher measures against terror financing, which should discourage nefarious individuals from sponsoring terrorism in the area.
But according to American and security officials stationed in Western European countries like France and the UK, Iranians are supporting the Houthis, Hamas, Hezbollah, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and several other regional groups that collectively make up the so-called “Axis of Resistance.”
India’s attempt to facilitate peace
Along with Iran, India also struck up talks with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. When Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke earlier this month, they also talked about regional developments with Russia.
India’s outreach to the US, Europe, Russia, Israel, and other West Asian and Western nations demonstrates its ability to persuade these leaders that regional peace is achievable and that the crisis can be prevented from getting worse.
By: Gursharan Kaur