NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reiterated its call to Iran and the wider Gulf region for an “early end to the conflict” and expressed deep concern over the rapid escalation of hostilities and mounting civilian casualties. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that the situation began to deteriorate on February 28, posing serious risks to regional stability, international trade, and the security of nearly 10 million Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf region.“India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We unequivocally express our support for an early end to the conflict,” the MEA said in an official statement.
According to the ministry, the government is “closely monitoring the evolution of the situation” and is in contact with local governments and other key international partners. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have been in talks with the foreign minister to assess the developments and coordinate efforts.In a post on X, Jaishankar shared a conversation he had with EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas on Iran and the ongoing conflict in the Gulf. “Had a phone conversation with EU Vice President for Human Rights Kaja Callas. Our discussions focused on Iran and the ongoing conflicts in the Gulf,” he wrote.Prime Minister Modi also spoke to two important leaders from the Gulf region on Tuesday. He held phone calls with the Sultan of Oman, His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, and the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Khalid Al Hamad Al Mubarak Al Sabah.In both discussions, the Prime Minister 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 local citizens.“They are also providing all possible assistance to those in distress as a result of the conflict,” the statement said, adding that advice and support networks were being updated regularly to ensure the safety and welfare of expatriates.India’s concerns extend beyond the well-being of its citizens. The multilateral environmental agreement highlighted the severe impact on trade and energy supply chains, noting that disruption in the Gulf could severely impact the Indian economy. The statement also condemned attacks on commercial ships after reports that some Indian sailors had been killed or missing in recent days.“As a country whose citizens occupy an important position in the global workforce, India also firmly opposes attacks on merchant ships,” the ministry added.India recalled its earlier expression of “deep concern” at the outbreak of the conflict on February 28 and stressed that it had urged “all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians”. The report said continued violence has only deepened its concerns, as the conflict has now spread to other countries during Ramadan.India describes itself as a “neighbor with a critical stake” in the security and stability of the region and says it will continue to take decisive action “in the national interest” while advocating for peace and diplomacy.
