US-Iran War: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday held talks with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi amid growing concerns over the impact of the crisis in West Asia, particularly on energy supplies.
It was the third time he had spoken to Jaishankar Araghchi since the US and Israel launched joint military strikes against Iran, news agency PTI reported.
“Detailed conversation this evening with Iran’s Foreign Minister @araghchi on the latest developments regarding the ongoing conflict. We agreed to stay in touch,” Jaishankar he said on social media.
The phone conversation between the two foreign ministers came amid growing global concerns about oil supply disruptions amid the crisis in West Asia, the agency said.
Global oil and gas prices surged after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that carries about 20 percent of the world’s oil and LNG.Liquefied natural gas).
Jaishankar conveyed India’s deep concern over developments in Iran and the region to Araghchi, according to PTI.
What did Jaishankar say in Parliament?
Speaking in parliament on Monday, Jaishankar said India was in favor of a return to dialogue and diplomacy amid the crisis in West Asia and advocated de-escalation, restraint and protection of civilians.
Jaishankar, who made the statement in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor emerging developments.
He said that this round of conflict began on February 28 and witnessed not only fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, but also attacks on a number of Gulf states. There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, as well as the destruction of infrastructure in the region.
The minister said the government issued a statement on February 28 expressing its deep concern and calling on all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians.
We believed and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be conducted to de-escalate tensions and resolve underlying issues.
“We believed and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be conducted to de-escalate tensions and solve basic problems. It is also necessary that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected,” he said.
