The Indian Ambassador to the United States, Harsh Vardhan Shringla, in mid-2019, made two statements regarding India ending oil imports from Iran – these statements appeared to be oxymorons, at the very least.

“ ... We depend very heavily on stability in that part of the world,” Harsh Vardhan Shringla had said.

‘That part of the world’ is a complicated generalisation, seeing as there is no universally recognised definition of the boundaries of the ‘Middle Eastern Region’ politically, or academically. However, considering the vast and heavy diplomatic, military and trade relations with the Arab world and the Gulf Cooperation Council, not to mention the millions of Indian citizens residing in the region – it is true that India depends on stability in the region to protect Indian lives, Indian wealth and Indian diplomacy.

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