US-Israel-Iran War: What’s the Impact on India?
The escalating US–Israel–Iran conflict and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are threatening global oil supply and could raise prices worldwide, including in India.
The war between the US–Israel alliance and Iran has turned more intense, raising fears of a wider global impact. The escalation comes after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
Iran recently targeted the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. However, Netanyahu was operating from a secure undisclosed location and remained safe. At the same time, viral claims that Iran shot down three US fighter jets were found to be false. Reports indicate the jets were accidentally downed by Kuwaiti forces after being misidentified.
In a serious development, Iran also attacked the US Embassy in Riyadh, killing six US officials and injuring 18. Since embassies are treated as sovereign territory, the strike is being seen as a major escalation. US President Donald Trump has indicated that a strong retaliatory response is likely and warned the conflict could continue for several weeks. He has also asked NATO countries for support.
Iran has further tightened pressure by blocking the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil routes. The move has already disrupted global oil supply. A drone strike also targeted the Aramco refinery at Ras Tanura in Saudi Arabia, temporarily halting operations. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has openly indicated it wants global oil prices to rise sharply.
Experts warn the conflict could directly affect India. The country imports around 2.5–2.7 million barrels of oil daily through the Strait of Hormuz, with over 60 percent of India’s energy coming from Gulf nations. Any disruption is likely to push up fuel prices, transport costs and eventually the prices of daily essential goods.
India may have to increase oil imports from alternative suppliers such as Russia and the US. Trade could also suffer. Nearly half of India’s basmati rice exports go to Middle Eastern countries, and smartphone exports — including iPhones made in Tamil Nadu — may also be affected if shipping routes remain disturbed.
Shipping companies are now considering the longer Cape of Good Hope route, which can add 25–30 days to travel time and significantly increase costs. Economists warn that even consumers in cities like Mumbai and Delhi may feel the impact through higher prices of fuel, vegetables and everyday goods.
With tensions still rising, the conflict is no longer just regional. Analysts say Iran’s strategy appears aimed at creating global economic pressure so that other countries push the US and Israel towards de-escalation.
