The Middle East News Agency said in a press conference that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi to discuss shipping safety and energy security as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz.
The conversation comes amid attacks on commercial ships and increasing risks to maritime traffic in the vital waterway, a major route for global oil trade. Randhir Jaiswa said the discussion focused on ensuring safe passage of ships and maintaining stable power supply across the region.
Jaiswal said the two leaders had been in contact repeatedly in recent days. “The foreign minister and the Iranian foreign minister held three talks in the last few days. The last conversation discussed issues related to shipping safety and energy security in India. Beyond that, it would be too early for me to say anything,” the official said.
The Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a major flashpoint in the ongoing regional conflict, with several ships damaged in recent attacks, raising concerns about disruptions to global shipping and energy flows.
The MEA also confirmed that around 9,000 Indian nationals, including students, sailors, professionals, businessmen and pilgrims, are currently in Iran and receiving assistance amid safety concerns in the country.
Many of these individuals, especially students, have already left Iran and returned to India, Jaiswal said. Others, including students and pilgrims residing in Tehran, have been transferred to safer locations and cities within the country.
“We had about 9,000 Indian citizens who were there or are there in Iran. These 9,000 Indian citizens are students, sailors, businessmen, professionals and some pilgrims. Many Indian citizens, mostly students, have left the country and reached their homes. We have transferred many Indian citizens, including students and pilgrims, who were staying in Tehran to other safer locations and cities in the country,” he said.
“We are helping Indian nationals who want to travel to Azerbaijan and Armenia and from there take commercial flights to return home. We provide assistance in obtaining visas and facilitating land border crossings,” Jaiswal said. He added that many Indians had approached the mission seeking assistance in crossing to neighboring countries safely and had been successfully supported in doing so.
The Middle East Airlines spokesperson urged all Indian citizens wishing to leave Iran via land to strictly follow the advice issued by the Indian Embassy.
