Amid turmoil in the Middle East sparked by US-Israeli strikes on Iran and exacerbated by the latter’s retaliation, India said on Tuesday that any major disruption in the Gulf, through which its trade and energy supply chains pass, would have dire consequences for the Indian economy.
In a statement on the ongoing conflict in the West Asia region, the Ministry of External Affairs said India expressed deep concern over the start of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on February 28, when the strikes were first reported. Follow news of the conflict between the United States and Iran here
“Even then, India urged all parties to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramadan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously,” the statement said.
“There are nearly a million Indian citizens living and working in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being are of the utmost priority. We cannot be immune to any development that negatively impacts them. Our trade and energy supply chains also cross this geography. Any major disruption has dire consequences for the Indian economy. As its citizens are prominent in the global workforce, India also strongly opposes attacks on commercial vessels. Indeed, some Indian citizens have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the past few days,” India said in a statement in the past few days.
The Gulf and the wider West Asia region – which is currently burning in the crossfire – constitutes one of India’s most vital trade lanes, serving as a gateway for energy imports, merchandise trade and maritime connectivity.
India calls for dialogue and diplomacy
The statement noted that the conflict has not only intensified, but also spread to other countries. He added, “Destruction and deaths have escalated, even as normal life and economic activities have stopped. As a close neighbor with major interests in the security and stability of the region, these developments raise great concern.”
“strongly” reiterating the call for dialogue and diplomacy, India said: “We clearly raise our voice in favor of an early end to the conflict. Many lives have unfortunately already been lost, and we express our grief in this regard.”
Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain in close contact with Indian citizens and community organizations, and issue regular warnings as required, the statement said, adding, “They have also provided every possible assistance to those stranded due to the conflict. The embassies and consulates will continue to take proactive measures in addressing various consular aspects of this conflict.”
We are in touch with the governments of this region as well as other key partners, she said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had held discussions with their counterparts.
The statement added that the government will continue to closely monitor developments in the situation and take relevant decisions to serve the national interest.
