Iran vs US-Israel: Global energy crisis & India’s strategic dilemma | Kanwal Sibal | SpeakEasy Ep 8

In this episode of SpeakEasy with Amit Baruah, former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal speaks about how the US-Israel war on Iran has upset India’s strategic plans, shattered the Gulf’s security structure, and opened the door to an energy crisis with no clear exit. The discussion examines the implications for global energy markets, with oil prices projected to surge sharply, and the risks posed to international stability. Sibal argues that the current developments reflect a form of “new imperialism”, where major powers seek strategic dominance over regions and resources. He analyses the US' evolving foreign policy under Donald Trump, highlighting inconsistencies in decision-making and the broader continuity in American strategic behaviour. The conversation explores Iran’s military resilience despite decades of sanctions, focusing on its missile and drone capabilities as key deterrents. It also reflects on India’s diplomatic response, its energy dependencies, and the challenges to its strategic autonomy in an increasingly polarised world. Chapters: 00:00 | US–Israel attacks on Iran 01:07 | The rise of a new imperialism? 02:47 | Trump’s foreign policy 03:54 | Gaza, Ukraine, and NATO 07:01 | Israel Dimona reactor debate 07:47 | Israel's nuclear weapon threat to Iran 08:48 | Iran’s resistance 11:16 | Iran survival as victory 11:27 | True victory in war 12:57 | Gulf security collapse 15:28 | Pakistan–Gulf axis 16:14 | India’s diplomatic response 19:21 | India’s oil strategy as prices surge 20:15 | India's Russian oil imports 21:09 | Global South reality 23:59 | Trump and his decisions 24:44 | Can the Iran war be stopped? 26:22 | Russia & China's role 31:11 | Final Takeaways Highlights: Why the conflict signals a shift towards “new imperialism” Iran’s resilience despite sanctions and sustained attacks The risk of oil prices escalating to extreme levels Strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz Collapse of US-backed Gulf security frameworks India’s cautious diplomatic stance and strategic balancing The role of major powers in shaping the conflict outcome Why the war may turn into a prolonged geopolitical stalemate Perfect for viewers interested in: West Asia geopolitics and Iran–US–Israel conflict Global energy markets and oil price dynamics International relations and strategic studies India’s foreign policy and strategic autonomy BRICS, Global South, and shifting world order UPSC current affairs and geopolitical analysis Credits: Host: Amit Baruah Camera: Deepanshu Chhabra and Vedaant Lakhera Editing: Razal Pareed Producers: Kavya Pradeep M and Mridula Vijayarangakumar If you found this discussion insightful, don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Frontline for more in-depth conversations. Subscribe to Frontline: https://frontline.thehindu.com/online... Follow us on: Facebook -   / frontlineindia   Twitter -   / frontline_india   Instagram -   / frontline.magazine   LinkedIn -   / frontline-magazine-b12921295   #IranWar #OilCrisis #StraitOfHormuz #IsraelIranConflict #Trump #EnergyCrisis #IndiaForeignPolicy #WestAsia #GlobalEconomy #CurrentAffairs2026 #BRICS #MiddleEast #WorldPolitics #Geopolitics #Frontline