India Urges Restraint Amid West Asia Conflict, Calls Attacks on Energy Facilities “Deeply Concerning”

As tensions escalated in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi engaged in discussions with leaders from Oman, Qatar, Jordan, Malaysia, and France, emphasising the urgent need to reduce hostilities and restore stability through diplomatic engagement.

During this period of heightened conflict, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) strongly criticised the targeting of vital energy infrastructure in the region, describing such incidents as “deeply troubling” and “unacceptable.”

These remarks mark the Indian government’s initial official response following Iran’s intensified strikes on oil and natural gas facilities across the Gulf region on Thursday.

The attacks were reportedly carried out in retaliation for an earlier Israeli assault on a significant Iranian gas field, further intensifying regional tensions.

Prime Minister Modi’s communication with Oman holds particular importance due to the country’s long-standing role as a discreet intermediary facilitating dialogue between Iran and the United States.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also spoke with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, noting that they exchanged perspectives on the ongoing West Asia crisis and its broader global implications.

In addition, Jaishankar held a meeting with Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation in the United Arab Emirates, and expressed appreciation for the UAE government’s efforts in ensuring the welfare of the Indian diaspora.

The discussions also covered recent developments linked to the West Asia conflict.

Addressing media queries regarding recent attacks on energy installations in the Gulf, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s earlier appeal to avoid targeting civilian assets, including oil and gas infrastructure, anywhere in the region.

He stated that recent assaults on energy facilities in multiple locations are highly alarming and risk worsening an already fragile global energy environment.

Such actions, he emphasised, are unacceptable and must stop immediately.

Following his conversation with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, the Prime Minister noted that both nations support secure and unhindered navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

He added that the two sides agreed on prioritising dialogue and diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and restore peace and stability.

Modi also expressed appreciation for Oman’s assistance in facilitating the safe evacuation of thousands of individuals, including Indian citizens, and reiterated India’s condemnation of any violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

After speaking with Qatar’s Amir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Prime Minister conveyed solidarity with Qatar and strongly denounced attacks targeting energy infrastructure in the region.

He also thanked Qatari authorities for ensuring the safety and welfare of the Indian community, while reiterating India’s support for uninterrupted and secure navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In his discussion with Jordan’s monarch, Abdullah II, Modi reaffirmed that strikes on energy facilities in West Asia are condemnable and risk triggering unnecessary escalation.

He also highlighted the shared commitment of India and Jordan to ensure the smooth and uninterrupted movement of goods and energy supplies.

Prime Minister Modi also held talks with Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, where both leaders emphasised their joint resolve to reduce tensions and promote early restoration of peace through diplomatic channels.

The Prime Minister extended festive greetings ahead of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and discussed the concerning security situation in West Asia.

During his conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron, Modi underlined the urgent need for de-escalation and emphasised the importance of returning to dialogue-based solutions to stabilise the region.

The MEA stated that India remains actively engaged with relevant countries to safeguard its maritime and energy security interests.

During an inter-ministerial briefing held in New Delhi, spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed that India continues to maintain communication with Iran on multiple issues.

He emphasised that New Delhi is in continuous contact with various partner nations to ensure an uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and smooth maritime transit routes essential for the country’s economic stability.

Responding to a separate query regarding fertiliser availability, Jaiswal said that India currently possesses sufficient stock to meet requirements for the upcoming Kharif season.

He noted that the government had initiated global tenders well in advance in anticipation of potential disruptions and that the response from international suppliers has been encouraging.

Most of the fertiliser consignments ordered from multiple sources are expected to arrive by the end of March.

He further highlighted that India follows a diversified sourcing strategy for fertiliser imports and continues to engage with several countries to ensure steady availability.

Since February 28, approximately 280,000 individuals have returned to India from West Asia amid the ongoing conflict.

Officials stated that airlines are operating a limited number of special and non-scheduled flights between the UAE and India, subject to operational feasibility and safety conditions.

Jaiswal acknowledged that the situation has been challenging not only for India but for the entire international community.

He noted that Indian leadership has been in continuous communication with global counterparts, including recent interactions with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts.

He added that through sustained dialogue with key stakeholders, India was recently able to ensure the safe passage of two LPG carriers through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, underlining the importance of diplomacy in maintaining supply chains during times of geopolitical uncertainty.

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