2003 invasion of Iraq

The 2003 invasion of Iraq, conducted by a coalition led by the United States, marked a significant turning point in international relations and security dynamics, with profound implications for India. Initiated on March 20, 2003, the military operation aimed to dismantle the regime of Saddam Hussein under the pretext of eliminating weapons of mass destruction (WMDs). India, which historically advocated for non-interference and diplomatic solutions, expressed concern over the invasion, criticizing unilateral military action and emphasizing the need for multilateralism. The invasion strained India’s relationships with certain Arab nations while simultaneously prompting New Delhi to reassess its strategic interests in the Gulf region, influencing its foreign policy and defense initiatives in the years that followed.