India, May 5 -- At a time when a fragile ceasefire is all that is preventing West Asia from tipping over the brink, Iran's attack on a crucial oil industry complex in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a development that could lead to a dangerous flare-up that everyone is keen to avoid. Talks between the US and Iran for a negotiated end to the war that began in February are clearly stalemated and the attack - which Iranian officials have indicated was a response to US President Donald Trump's "Project Freedom" that is aimed at forcing open the Strait of Hormuz - could jeopardise already frail energy supply chains.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's move to condemn the attacks on the Fujairah Petroleum Industries Zone, which injured three Indi...