Seek information from credible sources, favour civil discourse over polarised rhetoric
On a seemingly peaceful Saturday, the world erupted across large swathes of West Asia. Back home, the first signs of trouble surfaced when Indian Embassy warnings cautioned expatriates there to take safety precautions. Only over the following hours did the scale of the tragedy and violence unfolding slowly become clear. What has been unleashed over the Middle East is nothing short of a disaster. Historians in the decades to come will be left to debate the rights and wrongs of the actions unleashed by a Donald Trump-led US and Israel under the Netanyahu regime.
Explosions in Tehran, strikes sometimes hitting schools, Israeli pre-emptive attacks on Iran with US support, Iranian missiles targeting Israel — this is the kind of situation that brings our generation, which has largely lived in peaceful times, to realise what a world war looks like. What is worse is that Iran has targeted US air bases in the Gulf states — Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain (the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters). This not only draws a number of Gulf states into the active conflict zone, but also risks a prolonged multi-front regional war — or worse. There are heightened dangers to shipping, energy infrastructure and oil markets. Already, the impact on flights in the region has been felt. Global markets could easily face renewed geopolitical volatility.
From a Trumpian perspective, however, things are much simpler. As the US President put it: “Khamenei, one of the most evil people in history, is dead.” He added that “heavy and pinpoint bombing” would continue “as long as necessary” to achieve “peace throughout the Middle East and, indeed, the world”. Whether such an approach will yield results remains to be seen, but without doubt the world will never be the same again. Even regions with no direct stake in the conflict could have to pay the price. The conflict affects India on multiple fronts. It threatens our energy security because a large share of India’s crude and LNG imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Disruption or a risk premium could raise global oil prices and India’s import bill, feeding into inflation and balance-of-payments pressure. It has already disrupted aviation and travel, and poses risks to expatriate communities and remittances. It also complicates New Delhi’s diplomatic balancing act with Washington, Tehran and other West Asian partners, requiring an emphasis on restraint and dialogue while safeguarding India’s strategic and economic interests.
Even more directly impacted would be expatriate workers in the oil-rich region, including those from India and, for us here, especially from Goa. News of the air strikes has triggered anxiety among Goans working in the Gulf, as well as among families back home. Goa NRI Commission chairman, Narendra Sawaikar said they are in touch with Goan associations there. That is positive.
Moments of geopolitical crisis this serious can feel overwhelming. Citizens can try to reclaim some agency in modest but meaningful ways: stay informed through credible sources rather than amplifying rumours; support civil discourse instead of polarised rhetoric; conserve fuel and resources when supply chains are strained. One can also contribute to relief or verified humanitarian efforts if displacement occurs, or engage elected representatives through constructive feedback on foreign policy, energy security and diaspora protection. Just as importantly, sustaining local community networks, cultural life and democratic participation helps prevent despair from turning into apathy. Individuals cannot control global conflict, but they can and must do their bit to strengthen the social resilience that carries societies through uncertain times.
