India became the support of neighbors amid Middle East crisis, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives asked for oil help.

News India Live, Digital Desk: The ongoing tension and war-like situations in the Middle East have created panic in the global energy market. Amidst this crisis, the problems of India’s neighboring countries Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Maldives have increased. In view of the acute shortage of fuel, these three countries have appealed to India for supply of petroleum products, especially diesel.

Impact of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz The world’s most important oil route, the Strait of Hormuz, has almost come to a standstill due to the increasing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel. About 20% of the world’s crude oil passes through this route. Due to blockage of this route, there is a possibility of a shortage of petrol and diesel in the neighboring countries, after which they have turned towards New Delhi.

What is the stand of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA)? Foreign Ministry spokesperson during the weekly briefing on Thursday Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India has received formal requests from these countries. He clarified:

Bangladesh’s demand: Dhaka has specifically sought additional supply of diesel. India is already sending diesel from Assam’s ‘Numaligarh Refinery’ through the pipeline (India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline).

Sri Lanka and Maldives: Both these countries have also sought help from India to ensure energy security.

India’s priority: Randhir Jaiswal said India is a major exporter but will thoroughly assess its domestic needs, refining capacity and stock availability before giving oil to any country.

Activity at diplomatic level Meanwhile, India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar Has held several rounds of talks with the Foreign Minister of Iran. The main focus of this discussion has been ‘Safety of Shipping’ and ‘Energy Security of India’. India wants to ensure that despite the global crisis, there is no adverse impact on oil prices and supplies within the country.

India is the ‘lifeline’ for neighboring countries India is ours ‘Neighborhood First’ As a policy, it has always stood with its neighbors in times of crisis. The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, which has been running since 2017, is a big example of this. Recently, a consignment of 5,000 tonnes of diesel has also been sent to Bangladesh, which is proving to be a lifeline for the power and transport sector there.