New delhi: India could help mediate relations between Iran and Arab states, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Friday. Speaking after the BRICS foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov emphasized India's potential to play a long-term mediating role between Tehran and its Arab neighbors.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov highlighted India's position as the BRICS presidency and its dependence on oil supplies from the region as factors that could enable it to offer its good offices for dialogue. He proposed inviting Iran and the Emirates to discussions as a means to avoid hostility, countering the actions of outside actors that he claimed were fueling tensions to create instability.
Lavrov noted that Pakistan is currently assisting in dialogue between the US and Iran to resolve an immediate crisis. He suggested that India, with its diplomatic experience and authority, could serve as an intermediary for long-term stability between Iran and its Arab neighbors.
Addressing the conflict involving Iran, Lavrov stated the primary objective is to end the confrontation triggered by the US-Israeli joint military attack on February 28 and to achieve a sustainable settlement.
In another context, Lavrov spoke about Russia's ties with Armenia, describing the relations as close yet complex, and accused the West of trying to subjugate Armenia. He mentioned that the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) might discuss Armenia's situation during its upcoming summit, expressing disappointment over Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's absence.
Lavrov also commented on the recent talks between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, expressing Russia's support for any agreement on American energy supplies between China and the US, while stressing Russia's non-interference in other countries' trade relations.
Regarding BRICS, Lavrov noted the global interest in joining the bloc despite pressure from Western countries, including the US, which he claimed has deemed BRICS a major adversary of progress. He stated that BRICS would not rush to expand membership, needing time to adapt to its recent enlargement.
Lavrov concluded by asserting that BRICS countries would resist Western efforts to shift the G20 summit's agenda towards contentious issues.