Last Updated:February 28, 2026, 17:57 IST India’s priorities are clear: maintaining stability in the Gulf region to safeguard the Indian diaspora, protect vital trade routes, and ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea Smoke rises following an explosion, after Israel and the U.S. launched strikes on Iran, in Tehran, Iran, February 28, 2026. (Image Credits: Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS) As the Israel-Iran war intensifies, India has stressed the need for rapid de-escalation to prevent a prolonged regional conflict. Sources in New Delhi told CNN-News18 that the situation is extremely fluid, with multiple waves of strikes and uncertainty over leadership decisions, raising the risk of wider escalation. “India’s core interest lies in rapid de-escalation,” the source told CNN-News18, emphasising that the country is encouraging back-channel engagement with Washington, Tel Aviv, and Tehran to reduce tensions. India’s priorities are clear: maintaining stability in the Gulf region to safeguard the Indian diaspora, protect vital trade routes, and ensure maritime security in the Arabian Sea. Sources highlighted that these concerns underpin India’s approach to the …