Amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and a spiraling global energy crisis, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on Indian government to take a proactive role in demanding an immediate end to the conflict.
Tharoor argued that neither side is benefiting from the ongoing war, which is also affecting other nations due to disruptions in oil, gas, and other critical supplies.
“I have been calling publicly for the government to now take a lead in demanding an end to this conflict. I think both sides, frankly, have reached a point where they’re not doing anyone any good,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP told ANI.
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He noted that since both American and Iranian objectives have largely been achieved, continuing the conflict could undermine regional stability and global interests.
“The Americans have said they have hit all the targets they wanted. The Iranians, at the same time, have succeeded in preserving their regime and sustaining themselves. I think between these two, that should be enough,” Tharoor said.
The conflict in West Asia began on February 28 when joint US-Israeli forces carried out an airstrike in Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with a barrage of missiles targeting Israel and other Gulf countries hosting US military bases.
Now in its third week, the conflict has driven global oil prices sharply higher, with Iran effectively closing the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil chokepoint. India is feeling the impact as well, facing a severe shortage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), forcing the closure of several restaurants and hotels.
Iran has allowed two Indian tankers to pass through the strait, with Abdul Majid Hakeem Ilahi, the representative of Iran’s Supreme Leader in India, affirming that Tehran is mindful of India’s energy needs.
