India can play vital role to convince Israel for ceasefire with Hezbollah: Iranian Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi

Iranian Ambassador to India Iraj Elahi has said that India can play a vital role in convincing Israel for a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah since the escalating tension in the Middle East is not going to benefit any regional countries including the international economy.

“India is a pioneer in diplomacy. Ceasefire or de-escalation is to the benefit of India. A bigger role at the international level will benefit India, and the engagement of India in West Asia is on their benefit. India also has good relations with Israel, Iran, and with different Gulf states, so it’s a good opportunity for India.” Elahi said recently in an interview with a national daily.

“India’s position is clear. India is strongly supporting a two-state solution. The position of India is rational. As a diplomat, I believe that India can play a more active role. When there is dust, you cannot see reality. Now the situation is dusty, so a ceasefire can let the dust settle, then those sides who are engaged in the tension, and other sides who are around can sit together. So first of all, we should let the dust settle with a ceasefire, and then think about a solution,” he added.

According to Elahi, Indian policymakers are fully aware of what is possible and what they can do.

Commenting on India-Iran bilateral ties in all aspects, Elahi said, “Besides our commonalities and shared heritage, India and Iran are natural partners. We feel that both countries should now elevate the relations to a strategic level. In Iran, we consider India as a power of Asia, as a rising power in the world, as an important country in the world, and as a good and reliable partner for Iran. And at the same time, we believe Iran can be reliable and has been a reliable partner for India in different parts.”

“So we should mobilize all opportunities to strengthen the relationship for the benefit of both nations. Chabahar is just one project, India needs to diversify its routes to the international market geographically. So Chabahar and International North-South Transport Corridor are options for India,” he added.

Responding to a question on Iran’s stance viz Israel in the backdrop of ongoing conflict, Elahi said, “There are some parallel tensions or clashes in the region: Israel-Hamas, Israel-Hezbollah, and Iran-Israel. We didn’t start the tension with Israel, we did not ignite it. It was Israel that violated Iranian sovereignty by assassinating Hamas leader — Ismail Haniyeh — in Iran earlier, it was Israel that targeted the Iranian embassy in Damascus.”

“Launching a missile was legitimate according to international law and our inherent rights for self-defense. But we hope that Israel has learned enough to not enter a new round of escalation, because if it does anything again, we will retaliate, and this circle will continue, which is not for the benefit of both sides and the region. Many countries want the conflict between Iran and Israel to go on, we should disappoint them,” he added.

Commenting on Israeli hostages in Gaza, Elahi said, “That is a humanitarian issue and not acceptable at all. Human beings have to be respected on either side. There should be no difference between the blood of Jews or Muslims. It’s strange to see the indifference of the world towards starvation of infants in Gaza.”