VOI World/ Desk
Iran is looking to regain its position as a major energy supplier to India and will send Petroleum Minister Mohsen Paknejad to the country next week for a BRICS meeting, according to officials.
The visit comes after an interim peace agreement between the US and Iran raised hopes of easing tensions and potentially opening the door for Tehran to expand its oil exports. Paknejad is expected to attend the BRICS gathering and may also hold bilateral talks with Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, although the meeting has not yet been officially confirmed.
Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali said India needed reliable, stable and affordable energy supplies and that Iran had the capacity to meet those requirements. He added that if sanctions were lifted, Iran could once again become one of India’s principal crude oil suppliers.
Before US sanctions halted imports in 2019, Iran was among India’s top oil suppliers. New Delhi subsequently diversified its crude purchases, increasing imports from countries including Russia, Iraq and Saudi Arabia.
Analysts say any return of Iranian oil to the Indian market would depend on international sanctions and the broader geopolitical environment. However, renewed engagement between the two countries could provide India with additional options to strengthen its energy security.
The upcoming visit is expected to focus on energy cooperation and regional developments, with both countries seeking to expand ties through multilateral platforms such as BRICS.
