In a pressing address to journalists in New Delhi, Russia’s envoy Denis Alipov called for immediate negotiations to defuse West Asia’s powder keg. Speaking on Thursday, he warned of catastrophic fuel price surges if the Strait of Hormuz faces blockade, placing the onus on India to secure its energy imports wisely.
‘Moscow remains perpetually prepared to provide oil to our Indian partners,’ Alipov declared. This assurance arrives as global markets reel from the intensifying Iran-U.S.-Israel showdown, with supply chains at severe risk.
Advocating de-escalation, the ambassador said, ‘Dialogue is the only path to resolution. This conflict needs to conclude without delay.’ Queried about the war’s timeline, he quipped that Washington holds the answers, sidestepping predictions.
The flare-up traces back to coordinated U.S.-Israeli air campaigns against Iran, designed to cripple missile programs and degrade defenses. Iran’s leadership suffered devastating losses, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei among senior figures killed. Tehran hit back hard, unleashing drone swarms and missile salvos on U.S. installations, key cities, and partner militaries in the region.
Russia’s response was swift and sharp. Condemning the assaults on February 28 as baseless aggression, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov engaged Iranian peer Seyed Abbas Araghchi via phone on Saturday. Araghchi detailed Iran’s countermeasures to prevent escalation and revealed intentions to convene an urgent UN Security Council session over disruptions to nuclear talks.
Lavrov lambasted the attacks for flouting global norms and endangering peace worldwide. He demanded an immediate halt to offensive actions and a return to diplomacy. Committed to mediation, Russia offers its support through international forums, emphasizing equitable principles.
With Hormuz’s fate hanging in balance, India’s oil procurement strategy faces a litmus test. Alipov’s forthright stance signals Moscow’s dependability, offering New Delhi a strategic buffer against volatility in a fracturing energy landscape.