Can India help defuse the US-Iran war? Here's why Finland thinks Delhi should try

President Alexander Stubb backs India’s diplomatic outreach as New Delhi engages Iran to safeguard energy routes and push for de-escalation.

• Finland urges India to mediate US-Iran tensions for ceasefire
• India intensifies diplomatic talks with Iran amid conflict
• India maintains energy flows through Hormuz despite disruptions

Did our AI summary help?

Finland has called on India to play a diplomatic role in easing tensions between the United States and Iran, as the Middle East conflict shows no signs of de-escalation.

In an interview, Finland President Alexander Stubb said India could help broker a ceasefire, citing New Delhi’s recent diplomatic outreach to Tehran.

“We need a ceasefire. I’m wondering if India can actually get involved. We saw Foreign Minister Jaishankar call for a ceasefire to calm things down,” Stubb said.

The remarks signal growing international recognition of India’s positioning as a potential interlocutor in one of the most volatile geopolitical flashpoints.

India steps up engagement with Iran

Stubb’s comments come as New Delhi has intensified diplomatic engagement with Tehran in recent days.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a fresh round of talks with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who briefed India on the evolving situation. Araghchi described the conflict as a result of “aggressions” by the United States and Israel, while reiterating Iran’s right to self-defence and warning of wider regional consequences.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has also spoken with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concern over escalating hostilities and civilian casualties.

During the conversation, Modi underlined that safeguarding Indian nationals and ensuring uninterrupted energy and trade flows remain key priorities for New Delhi.

Energy security and shipping remain central concerns

Even as tensions remain elevated, India has managed to maintain critical energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint that handles roughly a fifth of global oil shipments.

Indian-flagged vessels continue to navigate the route despite disruptions. The LPG carrier Shivalik, carrying around 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel, recently reached Mundra port, while another tanker, Jag Laadki, is en route from the UAE. A third vessel, Nanda Devi, is expected to dock at Kandla shortly.

India is also engaged in direct talks with Iran to facilitate the resumption of normal shipping through the strait.

In an interview, Jaishankar said discussions with Tehran are “already yielding some results,” adding that New Delhi prefers to “reason and coordinate” rather than disengage.

However, he clarified that there is no blanket arrangement in place, with vessel movement currently being handled on a case-by-case basis.

Hormuz remains partially restricted

Iran has said that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to most countries, but restrictions apply to ships linked to the United States, Israel and their allies.

The partial disruption has heightened energy security concerns across Asia, particularly for major importers such as India and China.

Tehran’s move to restrict transit through the strait followed US and Israeli strikes, further escalating the conflict and amplifying risks to global energy supply chains.

India’s balancing act gains global attention

Finland’s call for India to play a mediating role reflects New Delhi’s evolving position as a key diplomatic actor capable of engaging multiple sides.

India maintains working relationships with both Western powers and Iran, allowing it to pursue a calibrated approach focused on de-escalation, energy security and the protection of its economic interests.

As the conflict deepens, that balancing act is increasingly drawing global attention, and expectations.