External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has conveyed India’s deep concerns over the escalating conflict in West Asia during a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, urging that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances. The call comes as regional hostilities continue to threaten key maritime trade routes that are crucial for global energy supplies and international commerce.
Jaishankar also reiterated India’s long-standing position that disputes should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, stressing the need to prevent further escalation in the region.
India Raises Concerns Over Maritime Security
Following the conversation, Jaishankar said he had conveyed India’s “deep concerns” regarding the ongoing hostilities and emphasized that attacks on merchant vessels and civilian seafarers are unacceptable.
The message reflects India’s growing concern over the security of international shipping lanes, especially as tensions in the region have led to repeated attacks on commercial vessels operating in strategic waterways.
Vital Trade Routes Under Pressure
India’s concerns are linked to the importance of maritime routes in West Asia, including the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest energy corridors.
A significant share of India’s crude oil imports and international trade passes through these waters. Any disruption to commercial navigation could affect energy supplies, increase freight costs, and impact global supply chains.
India Backs Dialogue and Diplomacy
During the discussion, Jaishankar reaffirmed that India supports peaceful engagement and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.
He stressed that continued dialogue remains the best path toward regional stability and called for restraint by all parties involved in the conflict. India has consistently maintained that diplomatic solutions are essential to preventing a wider regional crisis.
Safety of Indian Seafarers a Key Priority
The safety of Indian seafarers working on international merchant vessels remains a major concern for New Delhi.
Thousands of Indian sailors are employed aboard commercial ships operating in the Gulf and surrounding regions. The Ministry of External Affairs has been actively monitoring developments and engaging with affected families as maritime security risks continue to rise.
Part of India’s Broader Diplomatic Outreach
The conversation with Iran follows similar diplomatic engagements by India with other countries affected by the regional conflict.
Earlier, Jaishankar also conveyed India’s concerns to Ukraine regarding attacks on commercial shipping, underlining New Delhi’s consistent position that civilian maritime traffic should remain protected regardless of the conflict.
India Continues to Monitor the Situation
As tensions in West Asia remain high, India is closely monitoring developments that could affect regional stability, global energy markets, and international shipping.
By engaging directly with key stakeholders, India is seeking to safeguard its strategic interests while advocating restraint, uninterrupted maritime trade, and the protection of civilian shipping. The government has reiterated that ensuring the safety of commercial vessels and Indian nationals remains a top priority as diplomatic efforts continue.
