“Jaishankar Reaches Out: Dialogues with Israeli and Iranian Counterparts, Urges Restraint Amid Escalating Conflict”
India has voiced serious apprehension regarding the escalating hostilities in West Asia, calling for immediate de-escalation following Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel, which involved the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles on Saturday. External Affairs Minister Jaishankar initiated diplomatic dialogues, first reaching out to Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian on Sunday evening.
Their discussion focused on the “current situation in the region,” emphasizing the imperative of avoiding further escalation, exercising restraint, and prioritizing diplomatic resolutions. In a subsequent conversation with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Jaishankar expressed India’s deep concern over the recent developments and discussed the broader regional dynamics.
Notably, Jaishankar also raised the issue of the release of 17 Indian crew members from the cargo vessel MSC Aries, which was seized by Iranian forces earlier on Saturday in the Gulf of Hormuz. India reassured its commitment to ensuring the security and swift release of its nationals and remained engaged with Iranian authorities on the matter.
Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, India reaffirmed its strategic ties with both Iran and Israel and emphasized the need for de-escalation and a return to diplomatic channels amidst the Israel-Hamas conflict and the escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The Indian government issued advisories urging citizens to refrain from traveling to Iran or Israel and to exercise utmost caution for their safety.
Given the substantial presence of Indian expatriates and the reliance on West Asian countries as key energy suppliers, New Delhi is particularly concerned about the potential repercussions of any further escalation in the region.
Jaishankar and his counterparts from Iran and Israel agreed to maintain ongoing communication, underscoring India’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.
Author:- Apoorva Arora