Is the Iran war really about something bigger? Rahul Gandhi warns it could be costlier and closer to India than it seems

Congress leader warns India may face higher fuel prices and slower economic growth due to Middle East conflict.

• Rahul Gandhi ties Middle East conflict to US-China-Russia rivalry
• He warns rising tensions may slow India's economic growth
• India must be cautious due to energy reliance on Middle East

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Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which appears to involve the United States, Israel and Iran, reflects a broader geopolitical rivalry involving the United States, China and Russia.

Speaking during an interaction with students at Marian College Kuttikkanam (Autonomous), Gandhi said the conflict should be viewed in the context of a changing global order.

“On the surface, it looks like a war between America, Israel and Iran. It's actually a conflict between America, China and Russia,” Gandhi told the gathering.

He said the United States was attempting to maintain its position as the dominant global power while China was emerging as a challenger.

“The United States is trying to make sure it remains the superpower, while China is slowly advancing closer to it,” Gandhi said.

Gandhi said the contest between major powers was playing out across several regions, including the Middle East and Ukraine.

“On the surface, it looks like a war between America, Israel and Iran. It's actually a conflict between America, China and Russia. And the conflict is taking place in Iran, in Ukraine and in other places,” he said.

“The big conflict is that we have a superpower called the United States and we have a challenger called China.”

Gandhi said the ongoing tensions could have direct economic consequences for India because of its dependence on energy imports from the Middle East.

“The Middle East is the centre of energy production in the world. A huge chunk of energy comes from the Middle East,” he said.

“Our energy reliance is on the Middle East. Huge part of oil comes from the Middle East. Prices in India are going to rise. Fuel in India is going to become more expensive. Economic growth in India is going to slow down,” Gandhi added.

He said policymakers in India should be cautious about the country’s strategic positioning in the evolving geopolitical environment.

“We have to be very clear on what our policy positions are. Because if we don't and we get caught in the fight, then we're in serious trouble,” Gandhi said.

During the interaction, Gandhi also referred to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime route through which oil and gas shipments from the Middle East move to global markets.

“The Middle East is the centre of energy production in the world. A huge chunk of energy comes from the Middle East… Strait of Hormuz is blocked. The Americans are attacking Iran. Iranians are attacking the American assets,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz connects Gulf oil producers to international markets and is considered one of the most important shipping routes for global energy supplies.

The remarks come as hostilities between Iran and the US-Israel alliance have continued since February 28.

According to the information provided, more than 1,000 people have died in Iran during the conflict. Iranian missile and drone attacks have targeted US military bases and energy infrastructure in the Middle East, including facilities in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman.

Iran has also threatened to attack vessels crossing the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns about potential disruptions to global oil supply.

Gandhi said India needed to remain cautious as geopolitical tensions intensify.

“China's on our border and America's our ally. And they're getting ready to fight. So we have to be very careful where we are standing,” he said.

He also said that periods of geopolitical transition often lead to increased conflict.

“Such conflicts are going to increase in this transition period. India has to understand that we are entering a violent and dangerous time,” Gandhi said.