India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has urged key West Asian countries to pursue dialogue and reduce rising regional tensions. He held separate phone conversations with the foreign ministers of Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Iran, amid escalating conflict involving Iran and Gulf states.
According to the report, the conflict began after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran on February 28. In response, Iran has been targeting US bases and crude oil facilities located in neighbouring countries including the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
The report also said Iran has shut the Strait of Hormuz, a critical sea route for crude oil shipments to countries such as India, China and Japan. The disruption has had serious economic implications for multiple nations.
During his calls with Qatar’s Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and the UAE’s Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, discussions covered bilateral ties and the evolving situation in West Asia. The two ministers conveyed concerns over what they described as Iran’s unjustified attacks and damage to drinking water and energy infrastructure.
Jaishankar also spoke with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, stressing the need to resolve issues peacefully. He underlined the importance of ensuring freedom of maritime navigation, which is crucial for global trade and energy supplies.
