PM Modi condemns attacks on Qatar energy infrastructure during talks with Amir Al Thani
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to the leaders of Qatar, Oman, Jordan, France and Malaysia and stressed the urgent need to de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue and diplomacy. Modi said after talks with Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani that Delhi stands with Doha in strongly condemning attacks on energy infrastructure while stressing the importance of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.Qatar is also India’s largest LNG supplier, accounting for more than 40% of India’s LNG imports. The MEA said natural gas imports, important for pipeline supplies, will be affected due to the recent attacks.Modi said after talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II that attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia were reprehensible and could lead to avoidable escalations. The prime minister did not name Israel or Iran. “India and Jordan support unhindered movement of goods and energy,” the prime minister said in a post on X.Separately, the government said such attacks on energy facilities were unacceptable and needed to stop. It recalled that it had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region.“The recent attacks on energy facilities at various locations in the region are therefore deeply disturbing and will only further destabilize the already uncertain energy situation across the world,” MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said.After speaking to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, Modi also spoke to Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq on Thursday, reiterating India’s condemnation of violations of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciating Oman’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals. Oman is another important source of LNG and crude oil for India.“We agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the situation and subsequently restore peace and stability,” Modi wrote on X, adding that India and Oman advocate safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.After speaking with French President Emmanuel Macron, the prime minister said the two leaders would continue to coordinate closely to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond. Modi also spoke to Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and stressed the need to urgently de-escalate the situation. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Rem Al Hashimi to discuss developments in the conflict.Regarding LNG supply, Jaiswal said, “LNG supply has been affected due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But we are in discussions with several countries.”
