NEW DELHI: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh suggested on Wednesday that India could potentially play a role in mediating peace in West Asia amid the escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. When questioned about India’s involvement in the West Asia crisis, he remarked, “It is possible that tomorrow, the time may come when India plays its role in this and achieves success as well.”
Singh emphasized the Prime Minister’s balanced approach to diplomatic issues, stating, “The Prime Minister has appealed to both sides to end the war.”
This statement follows stalled peace talks between Iran and the United States, which were scheduled to take place in Pakistan. Disagreements regarding Iran’s nuclear enrichment program have hindered progress.
Earlier on the same day, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a two-week extension of a ceasefire with Iran as efforts to revive negotiations intensify. After initially suggesting a military strike, Trump stated that he would delay any action until Iranian negotiators could present a unified proposal for peace.
Trump’s statement on his Truth Social platform noted the fractured nature of the Iranian government and mentioned requests from Pakistani officials, including Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to hold off on military action.
In contrast, Iranian officials dismissed the ceasefire extension as a tactic aimed at buying time for a potential attack. Mahdi Mohammadi, a prominent Iranian figure, stated on social media, “The losing side cannot dictate terms,” and insisted that the prolonged siege warrants a military response.
