October 26, 2026
NEW DELHI – Talmiz Ahmad, a former Indian diplomat with extensive experience in West Asia, has emphasized the need for India to enhance its regional engagement in a recent interview. Ahmad, who served as Ambassador to several Gulf nations, argues that India should not feel compelled to make choices between its relationships with countries like Iran, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Israel. Instead, he advocates for a strategy focused on collective diplomacy.
Ahmad stated, “India should continue its successful approach of maintaining strong bilateral ties across West Asia based on mutual interests,” highlighting the importance of sustained relations with Iran for energy and connectivity. He added that India’s relationships need not be conditional upon its interactions with other regional players, allowing it to maintain a balanced approach.
When asked about the implications of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s remarks on terrorism and India’s stance on self-defense, Ahmad pointed out that ongoing cross-border terror activities by Pakistan complicate any potential rebuilding of ties. He suggested that despite mutual distrust, some dialogue could be beneficial, especially at levels involving security advisers or diplomats.
On the topic of energy security, Ahmad noted that the Gulf region remains crucial for India’s oil and gas imports and warned that dependence on fossil fuels would continue for years. He identified the Strait of Hormuz as vital for securing long-term energy interests and expressed concerns about the instability created by repeated military interventions in the region.
Discussing the strategic autonomy of India amid the evolving geopolitical landscape, Ahmad acknowledged the challenges posed by sanctions on Russia and the expectations of various major powers. Nevertheless, he reaffirmed India’s capability to navigate these pressures by maintaining relationships that align with its national interests.
Ahmad also called for India to be more actively involved in regional stability efforts, highlighting the importance of strengthening its Navy’s role and reassessing its engagement with Iran, even in the face of U.S. restrictions. He argued that diversifying energy supplies is essential but pointed out the dominant role of Gulf countries in this regard.
In response to recent discussions regarding Pakistan’s involvement in mediating the U.S.-Iran conflict, Ahmad posited that this could influence Pakistan to foster better relations with India. He urged Pakistan to renounce the use of cross-border terrorism as a policy tool, suggesting it would benefit from such a shift in approach.
Finally, he commented on the Mecca Defence Pact, observing that while it doesn’t directly impact India, it necessitates a more active Indian presence in the region to counterbalance any shifts in defense dynamics.
