Mirza – the first UAE ambassador to India – made this point in interviews recently, referring to India’s diplomatic importance, and Modi’s relationships in both Israel and Iran.
Mirza stressed Modi’s recent official trip to Israel, and the long-term links India has with Iran, especially the large amounts of energy India buys from it. He suggested these links give the Indian Prime Minister an unusual level of trust with the two sides in the current problems.
He often described the answer as simple: ‘One call from Mr Modi to Israel and Iran to stop it, and it will stop. One call.’ Mirza also said he was certain that Modi is respected by politicians and people in business all over the Gulf.
The UAE does not want to get involved in the fighting between Iran and Israel, and Mirza said it will not allow anyone to use its land to attack Iran. Abu Dhabi has not allowed anything to happen on its territory which could be against Iran.
The UAE is in a difficult position diplomatically, being next to Iran, but also having official links with Israel through the Abraham Accords. Mirza said that being close to Iran, and having diplomatic access, means that the UAE – and its allies – could assist in getting people to talk.
India has a large number of people from India living in the Gulf – Mirza said approximately 3.5 million live in the UAE.
He asked Indian leaders to act to help protect these people, and the business and trade links they are involved in. As well as the people who have left India, India has its own economic interests in the region, including importing energy. Mirza said that India buys a lot of oil from Iran, and that the two countries relying on each other economically gives India the power to influence things in the area.
The fighting has been getting worse after joint military work by the United States and Israel, and then Iran’s attacks in response. Iran has launched missiles and drones at a number of countries in the Gulf, increasing the danger for countries nearby.
The conflict has led to more and more civilians being hurt or killed, and damage to buildings and other things in many places. Reports from around the world show that many people have died or been injured, and the armies in the Gulf have stopped a lot of attacks while trying to protect their own countries.
A well-known phone call, or ‘shuttle diplomacy’
Where someone travels between countries to try and get them to agree – could open up ways to make things less tense, and reduce mistakes. Mirza, and others, say that people who are trusted by both sides can encourage short pauses in fighting, small reductions in violence, or steps to build trust through talks.
However, diplomacy has limits. Strong interests in the area, and across the world, domestic political problems, and the way countries are allied, make a quick answer difficult. A phone call might start talks, but continued diplomatic work, and support from many countries, would probably be needed to get a lasting end to the fighting.
A careful diplomatic effort could use India’s good name, alongside work by Gulf states, the United Nations, and others who are involved. Working together to mediate, being open about what each side will not accept, and protecting people in the conflict would give a better chance of stopping the fighting from spreading.
Mirza looked at the situation as a diplomat, not a soldier, saying the UAE wants to defend its land, but avoid getting into the conflict. His words show how carefully Gulf states are acting at the moment, and what part people from outside the area might be able to play.
To make things better, leaders must turn their good reputations into real actions: immediate ways to talk to each other, agreed pauses in fighting, and a plan for talks. Whether Mr Modi or other leaders take on that role, the area will probably need constant diplomacy to stop the conflict from getting wider.
