Russia Emerges as 'Saviour' for India Amid Middle East Tensions

Moscow: The horrendous war in the Middle East has now engulfed the Strait of Hormuz, the throat of the global economy. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed full control over this strategic waterway, warning of drone and missile attacks on ships passing through. This announcement poses a major threat to India, as India's estimated 252.7 million barrels of oil per day come through this narrow passage. However, Russia has once again emerged as a'saviour'for India in this time of crisis. Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak has announced that Russia is fully prepared to increase oil supplies to India, so that Middle East tensions do not affect India. Russia has retained its crown as India's largest crude supplier in February, even as global oil prices are expected to skyrocket. According to the latest data, India's oil imports from Saudi Arabia are increasing by more than 30% a day.