As the conflict in West Asia escalates, India on Tuesday (March 3) highlighted the interests of its one million Indian nationals in the region and expressed concern over possible disruptions in energy supplies that could have a serious impact on the Indian economy.
India called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to bring an early end to the conflict, noting that as a close neighbor it has vital interests in the security and stability of the region and that current developments “cause great anxiety”.
This is the second statement by India since the US and Israel attacked Iran and Tehran. India has stressed that the safety and security of Indians living in West Asia is its top priority, PTI reported.
The government’s announcement came against the backdrop of US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran on Saturday that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Vowing revenge, the Islamic Republic launched its own attacks on 27 US bases and some Israeli military installations in the Middle East on Sunday, escalating the conflict, according to reports.
The conflict spreads to other nations
“In recent days, we have not only witnessed the intensification of the conflict, but also its spread to other nations. Destruction and deaths have increased even as normal life and economic activities have come to a standstill,” the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.
“As a close neighbor with a critical stake in the security and stability of the region, this development causes great anxiety,” it said.
However, the MEA did not mention the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli strike.
Preference is given to Indians living in the Persian Gulf
Nearly one million Indian citizens live in the Persian Gulf, so their security is a top priority for the government.
“Nearly one billion Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being is a top priority. We cannot be immune to any development that negatively affects them,” the statement said.
“Our trade and energy supply chains also pass through this geography. Any major disruption has serious implications for the Indian economy,” adding, “As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also strongly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping.”
The MEA said several Indian nationals have either been killed or are missing due to the recent attacks.
“In this context, India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We raise our voice clearly for an early end to the conflict. Unfortunately, many lives have already been lost and we express our grief in this regard,” the ministry said.
