The State Department condemned the attacks on energy infrastructure in the Persian Gulf region, saying the attacks were “unacceptable and must stop”. The statement came amid new attacks on West Asian gas hubs.
External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal called the attacks on gas infrastructure “deeply worrying” and said the attacks would only serve to further destabilize an already uncertain global energy market.
Read also | Iran War News LIVE: Trump says ‘you’re not putting troops anywhere’
“India has earlier called to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region,” External Affairs Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
“The recent attacks against energy facilities at various locations in the region are therefore deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilize the already uncertain energy scenario for the entire world,” he said.
“Such attacks are unacceptable and must stop,” Jaiswal said, without naming any country.
Conflict in the Middle East: Attack on Energy Infrastructure
Israel’s attack on Iran’s strategic South Pars gas fields on Wednesday resulted in intense Iranian retaliation on key energy infrastructure in a number of Gulf countries, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG (liquefied natural gas) hub. Qatar accounts for nearly 40 percent of India’s LNG needs.
The new attacks led to further increases in energy prices worldwide, with global oil prices hitting $115 a barrel.
PM Modi talks to world leaders
Regarding concerns about the escalation of the situation in West Asia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to Omani Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Jordan King, French President Emmanuel Macron and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In his interview with My SultanPM Modi spoke about the need for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically key sea route.
Read also | Pentagon Demands $200 Billion to Expand Iran War Effort: Report
“We agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and the subsequent restoration of peace and stability,” the prime minister said on social media.
Prime Minister Modi said he also reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the Gulf country’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian citizens.
Read also | Iran is signaling a willingness to prolong the conflict despite the loss of top officials
“India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,” PM Modi said.
Oman is among the Gulf countries bearing the brunt of Iranian retaliation following strikes by Israel and the US on Iranian targets.
After his telephone conversation with Macron on the situation in West Asia, PM Modi said there was an “urgent need for de-escalation and also a return to dialogue and diplomacy”.
Read also | How the Iran War Is Weakening Donald Trump
“We look forward to continuing our close coordination to promote peace and stability in the region and beyond,” he said.
Macron said India and France were “working closely together to reduce tensions in the region and to keep diplomacy at the center of our efforts for peace”.
After an interview with IbrahimPM Modi said, “We also discussed the deeply troubling situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our common commitment to de-escalation and early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.”
On his interviews with King Abdullah II of JordanPM Modi said India and Jordan support “unhindered transit of goods and energy”.
Read also | US Fed meeting highlights: Fed attacks pause as war rages; Hopes of an RBI rate cut are fading
“We have expressed concern over the evolving situation in West Asia and stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region,” PM Modi said.
“Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are reprehensible and could lead to an avoidable escalation,” he said.
“I deeply appreciate Jordan’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of Indians stranded in the region,” he added.
Iran war: World leader calls for de-escalation
As the overall situation in West Asia continued to deteriorate, several global leaders called for a de-escalation of the situation.
“It is time to open the way to de-escalation to restore stability in the Middle East,” French President Macron said.
“France is calling for an immediate moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, whether related to water or energy. Freedom and safety of navigation must be restored,” he said.
Read also | US military prepares for ‘further action’ against Iran: Report
Macron said tempers must cool and hostilities end to give the prospect of a negotiated solution to the crisis a real chance.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has indicated that US President Donald Trump is willing to halt military action.
After Iran attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility, Trump threatened to blow up Iran’s largest gas field if Tehran continued its attacks on Qatar.
