The Impact Of The Iran War On Kerala ‘God’s Own Country’ – OpEd
The phrase “God’s Own Country” is often used to describe Kerala. This state faces domestic challenges whenever unrest arises in the Gulf region due to wars or uprisings against monarchies. Since the first Gulf War in the 1990s, the Gulf region has experienced significant instability, including ongoing conflicts, internal security issues, civil wars, and terrorism. During this time, over 170,000 expatriates from Kuwait and Iraq were repatriated to India with government assistance. As a result, remittances to Kerala sharply declined, leading the state government into a fiscal crisis.
The ongoing conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran is worsening the situation in the region. A CNN report highlights the significance of the Strait of Hormuz and points out that the potential for Iranian retaliation against US bases in the Gulf was underestimated. Since Iran began its retaliatory actions, there has been growing concern among the workforce throughout the region. The US and Israel launched their attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, and the conflict has now entered its third week. What was initially perceived as a dispute solely among the US, Israel, and Iran is now affecting the global economy.
The ongoing conflict in Iran significantly impacts India, as it depends on the Gulf for 85% of its energy needs. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical route for transporting crude oil and LPG. Iran’s decision to........
