There’s a delicious irony in India calling for restraint as the West Asia crisis escalated into missile launchings and drone attacks … it was the standard advice from Western capitals when India responded to Pakistani provocations …
Clearly the boot is on the other foot and on Monday India urged immediate de-escalation. Making a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said the government was “deeply concerned”.
“This round of conflict has 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,” he told the House, noting that the violence had resulted in casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure across the region.
“Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues,” he said, while stressing the need to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries involved.
Concern For Indians
The government said the crisis was of particular concern to India because of its close economic and human links with West Asia.
“There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians who are there for study or employment,” Jaishankar said, adding that the region also remains critical for India’s energy security.
Trade with Gulf countries alone accounts for nearly $200 billion annually, he noted, warning that instability and disruptions to shipping routes could affect supply chains and economic activity.
The minister confirmed casualties among Indian maritime workers amid attacks on commercial vessels in the region. “We have sadly already lost two Indian mariners and one remains missing,” he said, expressing condolences to their families.
Evacuations, Advisories
India had issued a series of travel advisories starting in January, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and asking those already there to register with the Indian embassy. Since the conflict began, Indian missions across the region have been assisting citizens seeking to leave.
“Till yesterday almost 67,000 of our nationals have crossed international borders to return,” Jaishankar told Parliament, adding that special arrangements were being made to facilitate flights and transit movements.
The government said several Indian students in Tehran had been relocated to safer areas, while some business travellers were helped to cross into Armenia before returning to India. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains operational and on high alert, he added.
Diplomatic Outreach
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in contact with leaders across the region, including those of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel, Jaishankar said.
“In each case, we received assurances that the well-being of the Indian community would be a priority,” he noted.
Despite difficulties in communication with Tehran due to the evolving situation, Jaishankar said he had spoken to Iran’s foreign minister twice since the outbreak of the conflict.
The minister also informed the House that India had permitted the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port after Tehran sought permission for three ships in the region to use Indian ports.
“We believe that this was the right thing to do,” Jaishankar said, adding that Iran had thanked India for the “humane gesture”.
The minister outlined the government’s approach to the crisis: pushing for diplomacy and restraint, safeguarding the Indian community abroad, and protecting national interests including energy security and trade.
“India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy,” he said.
