Opening Remarks by Dr. Ashok Behuria, Chairman, Centre for Peace Studies
Dear Chair, eminent speakers, distinguished participants, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon and welcome to this webinar on “The Iran War: Implications for the Region and Beyond.” On behalf of the Centre for Peace Studies, I extend a warm welcome to all our distinguished speakers, participants and friends joining us from different parts of the world.
Wars in the Middle East rarely remain confined to the Middle East. History tells us that conflicts in this region almost invariably reshape global politics, influence the world economy, alter energy markets and redefine strategic alignments far beyond the region itself. The ongoing Iran conflict is no exception. In many respects, it represents a critical inflection point in international politics.
The significance of this conflict lies not merely in the exchange of missiles or military operations. It lies in what the conflict tells us about the changing international order.
First, it demonstrates that the era of uncontested American dominance is increasingly being challenged. Even when the United States possesses overwhelming military superiority, translating military success into lasting political outcomes has become extraordinarily difficult. Military campaigns may begin swiftly, but political settlements remain elusive.
Second, this conflict reminds us that energy security continues to be inseparable from national security. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints. Any disruption there immediately reverberates across global oil markets, inflation rates, shipping costs and food prices. Ironically, countries geographically distant from the conflict often bear some of its greatest economic costs.
Third, the war raises profound questions about the future of regional security architecture. For decades, the Gulf’s security has depended largely upon external powers. Yet repeated crises suggest that sustainable peace may ultimately require a more inclusive regional framework involving all major stakeholders rather than one based exclusively on military deterrence.
The conflict also highlights another important reality. Modern wars are no longer fought solely on the battlefield. They are simultaneously fought in cyberspace, through economic sanctions, information campaigns, financial systems, artificial intelligence, drones and precision technologies. The distinction between military, economic and technological competition is becoming increasingly blurred.
For India, these developments have immediate relevance. Our interests in West Asia are extensive and multidimensional. Millions of Indians live and work in the Gulf. Our energy security, maritime trade, investment flows and strategic connectivity all depend upon stability in this region. Consequently, peace in West Asia is not merely a regional concern; it is directly linked to India’s economic growth, social stability and strategic interests.
At the same time, India enjoys a unique position. It maintains constructive relations with virtually all major actors in the region. It has consistently advocated dialogue, diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and peaceful resolution of disputes. In an increasingly polarised world, such strategic credibility becomes an important diplomatic asset.
Before we begin our discussion, let me place before you a few numbers that remind us of the magnitude of this conflict. According to UN humanitarian assessments, the February–April phase of the war alone resulted in over 3,400 civilian deaths, more than 33,000 injuries, and damage to over 149,000 civilian homes and commercial units. More than 2,100 airstrikes were recorded during the period, damaging hospitals, schools, transport networks and critical infrastructure. More than 1,500 schools and around 245 health facilities suffered damage, underlining that modern wars devastate societies long after the guns fall silent.
The economic costs have been equally severe. Before the conflict, nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day—around one-fifth of global oil consumption—passed through the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has reduced Gulf exports to about 6.2 million barrels per day, less than half their pre-war level, pushing up freight costs, insurance premiums and energy prices worldwide.
These are not merely Middle Eastern numbers. They translate into higher inflation, costlier food imports, disrupted supply chains and slower economic growth for countries across Asia and Africa, including India.”
I would like to make three propositions:
First, this is no longer merely an Iran-Israel or Iran-US conflict; it has become a test of the resilience of the global economy.
Second, it demonstrates that in the twenty-first century, energy security, maritime security and economic security are inseparable.
Third, it reminds us that winning a war militarily is not the same as securing peace politically. The real challenge begins after the battlefield falls silent.
Today’s discussion therefore goes beyond the immediate conflict. We must ask some larger questions.
Has this war fundamentally altered the regional balance of power?
Will it accelerate the emergence of a new Gulf security architecture?
How will major powers recalibrate their policies?
Can diplomacy still provide durable solutions in an era increasingly dominated by coercion?
And finally, what lessons should countries like India draw for their own security, energy resilience and foreign policy?
These are precisely the issues our distinguished panel of experts will address today. We are fortunate to have scholars and practitioners who bring diverse disciplinary perspectives and first-hand regional knowledge. I am confident that today’s deliberations will move beyond headlines and offer deeper insights into one of the defining geopolitical crises of our time.
I thank all our speakers for accepting our invitation, and all participants for joining us.
With these remarks, it is my privilege to invite our distinguished Chair, Professor Jajati K. Pattnaik, to preside over the proceedings.
Thank you.
