In a recent statement to RT India, Dinkar Srivastava, a former ambassador to Iran, highlighted the potential ramifications of the Middle East crisis on India's economy and energy supply. He noted that a significant portion of India's oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports are routed through the tumultuous region. The recent US and Israeli military actions against Iran, which resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, have exacerbated the situation, leading to retaliatory strikes by Iran and raising concerns about stability in the Gulf.

Srivastava emphasized that India's strong diplomatic ties with nations across the Gulf are crucial, particularly in the wake of such conflicts. He mentioned that India's foreign minister has been actively engaged in discussions with involved parties, urging Israel to de-escalate the situation. Additionally, the ambassador pointed out the importance of the Indian diaspora in the region, which numbers around 9 million and plays a vital role in maintaining India's connections with countries in the Gulf.

With global oil prices surging as much as 13% following the escalation of conflict, the impact on India could be significant, as both oil and LNG supplies are critical to its economy. The Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime passage for oil transport, has seen disruptions in tanker traffic, raising alarms over potential shortages and increased costs for India. This crisis not only poses economic threats for India but could also influence its foreign policy and energy strategies in the long run.