Washington, March 19: According to Lisa Curtis, a former official at the White House focusing on South Asia, ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran are putting pressure on India’s energy security. She emphasizes that the current tensions between Iran and the U.S.-Israel alliance pose a significant diplomatic balancing act for India, which is navigating a challenging and deteriorating situation.
In an interview, Curtis stated, “Firstly, this situation is impacting India’s oil supply. India is heavily reliant on oil from the Middle East, so I am sure Indian officials are very concerned about rising oil prices and the potential impact of this crisis on the Indian economy.”
Curtis highlighted that energy is an immediate concern for India due to its dependence on Middle Eastern crude oil. The surge in oil prices resulting from the conflict could adversely affect India’s economic outlook.
She pointed out a diplomatic dilemma arising from recent U.S. military actions against Iran. “The U.S. attacked an Iranian vessel shortly after participating in a naval operation hosted by India,” she noted, indicating this could be a source of concern and tension in bilateral relations.
Curtis mentioned that India expects Washington to uphold a rules-based international order. “India views the U.S. as a responsible nation committed to protecting freedom of navigation. However, in this instance, it is the U.S. that is acting in a way that disrupts that rules-based order,” she added.
India is striving to adopt a more neutral stance, balancing its strong ties with Iran against the importance of its economic and strategic relationship with the U.S.
Curtis observed that India’s perspective aligns with other U.S. allies. Countries like Japan, Australia, and the UK are attempting to maintain strong partnerships with the U.S. while avoiding involvement in conflicts they do not wish to partake in.
She also noted that Washington appears to be increasingly isolated regarding its Iran policy. “When it comes to military operations in Iran, the U.S. seems to be at odds with its major allies and partners,” she remarked.
Curtis indicated that allied nations are hesitant to provide military assets. Many countries are reluctant to send warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, they seek non-military ways to support stability among partners. They want to assist the U.S. in reducing risks to oil tankers and are working to release strategic reserves into the market.
Regarding bilateral relations, Curtis stated that U.S.-India ties have improved recently. She highlighted the completion of an interim trade framework agreement as a significant step forward. She emphasized that changes in U.S. policy regarding Russian oil could benefit India.
“America is allowing the sale of oil to Russia, which will help India. We welcome any assistance the U.S. can provide to help India navigate the energy crisis,” she said.
Curtis warned that the unpredictability of Washington’s policies is becoming a cause for concern. This reflects the volatility and uncertainty of the Trump administration, creating discomfort for other nations. Consequently, India may adopt a more cautious approach when dealing with the Trump administration in the future.
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