External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday held a telephonic conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, during which the two leaders exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in West Asia and reviewed diplomatic efforts related to the crisis.
In a post on X, Jaishankar described the interaction as a “good telecon,” noting that both sides shared their assessments of the escalating situation in the region and discussed the broader diplomatic initiatives underway to address it.
— DrSJaishankar (@DrSJaishankar)
“A good telecon with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia. Shared our assessments on the West Asia conflict and related diplomatic efforts. Also took stock of our bilateral cooperation agenda,” Jaishankar said.The conversation comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint US-Israel strikes on February 28, triggering an energy crisis across the globe.
According to a Bloomberg report, Indian refiners have bought about 30 million barrels of Russian oil since the US provided a green light for purchases to help the country cope with a shortfall of Middle Eastern supply, citing people familiar with the matter
Earlier in the day, US Ambassador to India Sergei Gor took to X and posted that “India has been a great partner in maintaining stable oil prices around the world”. “The US recognises that “the ongoing purchases of Russian oil are a part of this effort. India is one of the largest consumers and refiners of oil, and it is essential for the US and India to work hand in hand for market stability for Americans and Indians,” Gor said.
Govt reassurance on LPG
The government on Wednesday also urged consumers not to rush to book domestic LPG cylinders amid reports of panic buying, stating that the normal delivery cycle remains unchanged.
“Amid reports of panic booking, the normal delivery cycle for domestic LPG remains 2.5 days. We urge people not to rush to book cylinders,” said Sujata Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
