New Delhi, March 1: Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar expressed deep concern over the rapidly deteriorating situation in West Asia during separate phone calls with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts on Saturday. He urged for a reduction in tensions.
This diplomatic initiative comes in the wake of a joint U.S.-Israeli strike, which prompted Iran to retaliate by launching missiles towards Israeli and U.S. bases in the Gulf region, escalating tensions to a peak.
Jaishankar shared India’s serious concerns regarding recent developments during his conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif. He emphasized the need to prevent further instability in the region.
Earlier, he also spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Sa’ar, clarifying that dialogue and diplomacy are the only paths to de-escalation.
The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement indicating that India is closely monitoring the rapidly changing events and urges all parties to prioritize dialogue while avoiding military confrontations. India reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations and exercising restraint.
Israel has characterized its strikes as “pre-emptive,” while the U.S. has dubbed it “Operation Epic Fury.” These attacks targeted Iranian military and leadership-affiliated sites. In response, Iran launched missile attacks on U.S.-affiliated sites in several countries.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the campaign, mentioning a desire for regime change in Iran, while Iranian officials have warned of a strong response.
The escalating conflict raises fears of a broader war, with international organizations warning of a potential humanitarian crisis.
India’s active diplomacy in West Asia reflects its balanced approach, maintaining strong ties with Israel while preserving historical relations with Iran. New Delhi has stressed the urgent need for restraint and dialogue to ensure regional stability and safeguard Indian interests.
Leave a Comment