‘India Could Play This Role’: Russia Floats New Delhi As Pakistan Alternative In US-Iran Talks

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 21:20 IST

Lavrov also accused some nations of attempting to deepen hostility between Iran and Arab countries. He said Russia was instead working towards reducing tensions.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Friday said India could play a major long term diplomatic role in easing tensions involving the United States and Iran, while noting that Pakistan was currently helping facilitate immediate talks between the two sides.

Speaking after the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ meeting in New Delhi, Lavrov highlighted India’s diplomatic experience and growing global influence as tensions continue to rise in West Asia. The ongoing conflict has also raised concerns over global energy supplies and key shipping routes.

“Pakistan is helping establish dialogues between the US and Iran to resolve urgent problems. If they seek a long-term mediator between Iran and its Arab friends, this role could be played by India, considering its vast diplomatic experience," he said.

Lavrov’s remarks come at a time when India has intensified engagement with Gulf nations amid fears of a prolonged regional conflict, rising crude oil prices and possible disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy shipping routes. India remains heavily dependent on the region for oil imports.

ALSO READ: ‘Preparations Are Complete’: Putin To Visit Xi In Beijing Days After Trump Wraps China Trip

The Russian minister also underlined India’s direct interest in maintaining stability in West Asia, especially as the current chair of BRICS and one of the world’s largest energy consumers.

Referring to India’s possible diplomatic role, Lavrov said, “India, the BRICS president, is directly interested in receiving oil from this region. Why won’t they offer their services, including as a country that is currently presiding over BRICS, so they could invite Iran, the United Arab Emirates, to start with, to have a conversation with each other to agree on how they can avoid any hostilities between the two countries?"

During the media briefing, Lavrov said BRICS as an organisation should not formally act as a mediator in conflicts, but individual member nations could help reduce tensions through dialogue and diplomacy.

“The most important thing is to put an end to this. I don’t think BRICS should be the kind of organisation to mediate, but individual BRICS members, especially those who are interested to ensure there are no problems with the navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, could help," he said through a translator.

Without naming any specific country, Lavrov accused some nations of attempting to deepen hostility between Iran and Arab countries. He said Russia was instead working towards reducing tensions and encouraging dialogue in the region.

“And they are trying; other countries are trying to instil this aggression, to instil this hostility in these relations. I believe that this hostility, this aggression against Iran, was motivated, among other things, to antagonise Iran and its Arab neighbours," he said.

“We need to understand root causes of every conflict, here it is unprovoked aggression by US and Israel," Lavrov added.

His remarks came as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the UAE as part of a five nation tour aimed at strengthening India’s strategic, economic and energy partnerships with countries in the Gulf and Europe.

Lavrov also confirmed that PM Modi would travel to Russia later this year for the BRICS summit.

“We are preparing for the BRICS summit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday reaffirmed that this year it’s his turn to make a visit to the Russian Federation. We will be preparing for this top-level summit," Lavrov said.

News india ‘India Could Play This Role’: Russia Floats New Delhi As Pakistan Alternative In US-Iran Talks

Read More