Pak not neutral, Trump will listen to Modi: US war expert pitches India as mediator

At a time when the Iran war shows no clear off-ramp, the search for a credible mediator has become as critical as the conflict itself. The question is no longer about influence, but about trust -- and who still commands it across divided camps.

Geopolitical risk advisor, Colonel (Retd) Douglas Macgregor has said Prime Minister Narendra Modi could play a decisive role in easing tensions in the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. He also took aim at Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator. In a podcast with ANI, Douglas Macgregor painted a stark picture of shifting global order, contending that India is better placed than most nations to help broker a way out.

TRUMP LIKELY TO LISTEN TO PM MODI

Amid efforts to broker a truce, Douglas Macgregor said that US President Donald Trump is likely to listen to PM Modi if India steps forward to mediate.

"The reason I pick India is because I think President Trump, if he listens to anybody at this point, is probably going to listen to Prime Minister Modi," he said.

He said India’s rising economic and military strength, along with the trust it enjoys globally, places it in a strong and unique position. "You are this large and powerful state economically, even militarily more so than I think you appreciate," he added.

Douglas Macgregor also said India enjoys a rare level of trust across major global powers -- from Russia and Iran to Israel and the United States —-- placing it in a unique position to act as a bridge between opposing sides.

"This is someone who is at ease with Putin in Moscow comfortable talking to the leadership in Tehran the Israelis are comfortable with him. We are comfortable with India," he said.

According to him, PM Modi could help simplify the complex demands on both sides and push for a realistic ceasefire framework. "We need to find a solution that moves us down the list to say two or three points that then become the basis for future talks and in the interim a ceasefire," he said.

"I would urge Prime Minister Modi to call President Trump and say we can do more for you," he said.

‘PAKISTAN NOT A NEUTRAL PLAYER’

In contrast, Douglas Macgregor dismissed Pakistan’s role as a potential mediator. "For the Pakistanis to offer help is sort of like a man who is in a burning building offering you a spare room in the building," he said.

He argued that Pakistan’s internal challenges -- particularly its economic troubles -- limit its ability to play any meaningful diplomatic role. "Pakistan has enormous problems. I mean, financially they’re insolvent and so forth," he said.

"Pakistan is not going to be viewed in any way, shape or form as neutral by the Israelis. They’re going to view Pakistan as part of the problem," he said.

He further pointed to Pakistan’s own statements on the conflict as a major obstacle. "The Pakistani government has said that if the Israelis should use a nuclear weapon they will in turn strike Israel Why would you go to Pakistan to try and close a deal?" he asked.

Beyond mediation, he warned that the conflict is part of a much larger global shift, with long-term consequences. He cautioned that the war is not a short-term crisis but a prolonged conflict with serious economic and geopolitical fallout.

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