Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that Russia wants the conflict in the Middle East to end as soon as possible, rejecting suggestions that Moscow benefits from rising energy prices caused by tensions involving Iran and disruptions to key global shipping routes.Speaking to reporters at the annual St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin said the Iranian people have demonstrated unity and resilience during the current crisis and stressed that any future agreement must take their interests into account.“There is no doubt that the people of Iran have proven that their interests must be taken into account. They have shown solidarity and the will to fight.” “We maintain contacts with our Iranian friends and we hope this will lead to a positive outcome.”The Russian president said Moscow is ready to assist if needed and would welcome any outcome that helps end the conflict.Putin said, “If there is something that Russia can do, we are always ready to provide assistance. If not, we will welcome the end of the conflict with all our might.”Addressing speculation that Russia could benefit from higher oil and gas prices due to instability in the region, Putin rejected the claim and argued that any gains for Russian energy companies would be temporary.“These are mere speculations stating that Russia is probably the only stakeholder and beneficiary from rising prices of energy resources. To some extent, our companies benefit from this, but this is only temporary and short-term,” he said.Putin stressed that Russia’s priority is long-term stability rather than short-term profits from energy markets.“We want long-term, stable relations with all based on mutual interests and our interest in this matter is to end the conflict as quickly as possible,” he said.While welcoming recent diplomatic efforts, Putin also pointed to the importance of maintaining the ceasefire and preventing further tensions across the region.“We welcome the fact that despite some difficulties, a ceasefire has been established,” he said.
Putin on India-Russia relations
During the talks, Putin also praised Russia’s relations with India and described New Delhi as one of Moscow’s most reliable partners.“We are developing our relationship with India and will continue to do so and we consider India a very reliable partner,” he said.The Russian President said that Western efforts to put pressure on India regarding relations with Russia are unlikely to succeed.Putin said, “Everyone understands that putting pressure on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and India, which has the world’s largest population, is harmful to international relations and bilateral relations. It does not matter where this pressure comes from. We do not see any negative consequences.”
‘Special Privileged Strategic Partnership’
Highlighting the long history of cooperation between the two countries, Putin described India and Russia’s relationship as a “special privileged strategic partnership”.Recalling the long-standing diplomatic relations between the two countries, he said, “We enjoy a special privileged strategic partnership. This is something we have been working on for decades.”Putin also praised India’s economic growth under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and said the country’s progress is the result of sustained policy efforts.“India is one of the leading economies in the world showing the highest rate of economic growth. This is the result of the hard work that the government is doing under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.”The Russian President further expressed confidence that trade between India and Russia will continue to expand and could reach $100 billion in the coming years.His comments come amid ongoing tensions in West Asia, concerns over global energy supplies and increasing scrutiny from some Western countries on India’s economic and energy partnership with Russia.
