India urges calls for early end to Iran-Israel conflict with ‘dialogue & diplomacy’; flags risk for Indians & trade | India News
New Delhi: India on Tuesday reiterated its call for an “early end to the conflict” in Iran and the wider Gulf region, expressing deep concern over the rapid escalation of hostilities and the growing civilian toll. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the situation, which has started deteriorating since February 28, poses a serious risk to regional stability, international trade and the security of nearly one crore Indian citizens living and working in the Gulf region.“India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We raise our voice unequivocally for a speedy end to the conflict,” the MEA said in an official statement.According to the ministry, the government is “closely monitoring the developing situation” and is in contact with regional governments as well as other key international partners. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar are talking to their counterparts to assess development and coordinate efforts.Jaishankar, in a post on X, shared his conversation with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Callas, about Iran and the ongoing conflict in the Gulf region. He wrote, “The EU HRVP has been in telecon with Qaza Kalas. Our discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf region.”Prime Minister Modi also spoke to two important leaders of the Gulf region on Tuesday. He had a phone call with the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq and the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.During both the talks, the Prime Ministers expressed concern over attacks in their respective countries and discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community living there.The MEA statement also noted that Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries are actively assisting citizens on the ground.“They have also extended all possible assistance to those caught up in the conflict,” it said, adding that advice and support networks are regularly updated to ensure the safety and welfare of expatriates.India’s concern extends beyond the welfare of its citizens. The MEA highlighted serious implications for trade and energy supply chains, noting that disruptions in the Gulf could severely impact India’s economy. The statement also condemned attacks on commercial vessels after reports of some Indian crew members killed or missing in recent days.“As a country whose citizens are prominent in the global workforce, India also strongly opposes attacks on merchant shipping,” the ministry added.Recalling that it had earlier expressed “deep concern” when the conflict broke out on February 28, India underlined that it called on “all parties to exercise restraint, avoid tensions and prioritize the safety of civilians”. It said the ongoing violence has deepened its concern as the conflict has now spread to other countries during the holy month of Ramadan.Describing itself as an “important neighbor” in terms of security and stability in the region, India said it would continue to act decisively in the “national interest” while supporting peace and diplomacy.
