Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has publicly backed India for a major peace role in West Asia, appearing to sideline Pakistan during the BRICS foreign ministers’ meeting in New Delhi. Lavrov acknowledged that Pakistan was helping facilitate urgent dialogue between the US and Iran, but stressed that if a “long-term mediator” was needed, “this role could be played by India” because of Delhi’s “vast diplomatic experience.” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also backed a larger Indian role, saying Tehran would welcome any “constructive role” by India in resolving the West Asia crisis.