India can help US resolve Iran standoff, says Boris Johnson
Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on Saturday called for coordinated action by India, the United States, and the United Kingdom to resolve the conflict with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also urged New Delhi to press Russia to end its war in Ukraine, asserting that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "fated to lose."
Speaking at the Economic Times World Leaders Forum in New Delhi, Johnson addressed a range of international issues, drawing on his experience as a former leader. The forum, an annual event, brings together global figures to discuss economic and geopolitical challenges.
Johnson, who served as UK prime minister from 2019 to 2022, has remained an active voice on international affairs since leaving office. His speech in New Delhi was part of a broader engagement with Indian policymakers and business leaders.
On Iran, Johnson said it was "totally deranged" to believe that regime change could be achieved through air strikes. He acknowledged concerns about Iran's nuclear programme and its support for terrorism, but argued that lasting change must come from within the country. "We've got to find a deal with Iran," he said, suggesting that the countries should work together to lower oil prices and get ships moving through the strategic waterway.
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime route through which about a fifth of the world's oil passes. Disruptions there can have significant global economic consequences, making Johnson's call for cooperation particularly relevant.
Johnson criticised the United States for not consulting Britain before engaging in military action, describing the situation as an "obvious trap" that Washington had walked into. Nevertheless, he said he preferred the United States as a global leader over China, and called on allies to help the US "back out" of the cul-de-sac. He also praised US President Donald Trump as consultative and open to advice from friends, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Turning to Ukraine, Johnson cautioned his Indian audience against believing "propaganda" that Putin was in a position to win. He insisted that Putin was "fated to lose" against the Ukrainian desire for freedom. Johnson advocated providing Ukraine with Tomahawk missiles, transferring $140 billion in Russian central bank assets held in Brussels, and halting trade in sanctioned Russian oil. He noted that only Putin, not Trump or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, could end the war.
Acknowledging India's "particular position" and historical closeness to Russia, Johnson said the conflict would not end without greater pressure on Moscow. He also called for deeper India-UK and India-US military cooperation, describing such collaboration as "much more sensible."
Johnson was effusive in his praise for India and Modi. "The Indian story today is a really wonderful story," he said, predicting an "incredible future" for India because it is a democracy and a free country. He also welcomed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement, negotiations for which began during his tenure as prime minister.
Johnson's remarks come at a time of heightened tensions in West Asia and ongoing conflict in Europe. His emphasis on India's role highlighted the country's growing influence in global diplomacy, as it navigates relationships with major powers.
