Some of the resulting shortages in oil (and perhaps also gas) supplies will be made up by increasing purchases from Russia. Not only by India, but perhaps also by traditional US allies, such as oil-starved countries like Japan and South Korea. The regime in Iran seems to be resilient enough to survive the elimination of several of its top commanders. Further, if there is an American retreat, India’s role in the region would expand significantly, both economically and militarily. Besides the economic concerns, there is the prospect of hundreds of Indians facing an imminent threat to life and harsh economic realities.
