Lavrov says India could mediate long-term US Iran dialogue and Gulf stability

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday that India could play a potential long-term diplomatic role in easing the conflict between the United States and Iran, arguing that New Delhi’s experience and its energy interests in the region put it in a position to help sustain dialogue. Lavrov made the comments during a media briefing in New Delhi after the conclusion of the BRICS foreign ministers meeting held on May 14 and 15 at Bharat Mandapam under India’s chairship.

Lavrov said he viewed Pakistan as currently helping facilitate immediate dialogue between Washington and Tehran, but added that India would be better placed for broader, longer-term engagement to reduce instability. In remarks carried through translation, he said, Pakistan is helping establish dialogues between the US and Iran to resolve urgent problems, adding that if a long-term mediator is sought between Iran and Arab partners, the role could be played by India.

He also urged that mediation efforts avoid treating BRICS as a formal negotiating bloc. Lavrov said the group itself should not position itself to mediate, but that individual BRICS members, particularly those with a direct interest in...