SOMETHING seems to have become seriously entangled in the prevailing geopolitical order. The United States is Israel’s principal patron and protector. Washington knows that its support for Israel comes at a very high political, economic and strategic cost and could eventually prove burdensome even for the United States itself. Yet, despite these costs, it continues to stand firmly behind Israel and remains unwilling to abandon its principal ally in the Middle East. Israel, in turn, enjoys an exceptionally close strategic relationship with India. The two countries have developed extensive political, military, intelligence and technological cooperation, while their strategic perceptions and certain external objectives increasingly converge. Then comes India and Afghanistan. India has traditionally regarded Afghanistan as an important strategic partner and has cultivated deep political, economic and diplomatic links with the country. Yet, despite the severe difficulties Afghanistan is currently facing, India appears reluctant or unable to provide the kind of support that Kabul might expect from such a close partner.

The situation becomes even more paradoxical when India’s relationship with Iran is considered. India maintains close relations with both Iran and Israel. Israel, however, has repeatedly attacked Iranian interests, while India has continued its strategic relationship with Israel and, at times, taken positions that have disappointed........

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