Lavrov Suggests India Can Mediate Between Iran and Arab Nations

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has proposed that India could play a significant mediating role in resolving the ongoing Middle East crisis, specifically by facilitating dialogue between Iran and Arab countries. Speaking at a media briefing following the BRICS foreign ministers’ summit hosted in New Delhi, Lavrov highlighted India's vast diplomatic expertise and its position as the current BRICS president. He argued that while BRICS as a collective entity might not be the ideal mediator due to internal divisions, individual members like India are well-positioned to help. Lavrov attributed the regional hostilities to Western interference aimed driving a wedge between Iran and its neighbors. Although the BRICS chair’s statement called for an early resolution and emphasized diplomacy, it also acknowledged differing views among member states, reflecting deepened divisions between Iran and the UAE regarding the conflict. Lavrov asserted that India's interest in regional stability and oil supplies makes it a suitable candidate to invite parties such as Iran and the UAE to the negotiating table.