NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday reiterated its call for an “early end to the conflict” in Iran and the wider Gulf region, expressing deep concern over the rapid escalation of hostilities and the mounting civilian toll. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said the situation, which began deteriorating from February 28, poses serious risks to regional stability, international trade, and the safety of nearly one crore Indian nationals living and working in the Gulf.“India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We raise our voice clearly in favour of an early end to the conflict,” the MEA said in an official statement.According to the ministry, the government is “closely monitoring the evolving situation” and has been in touch with regional governments as well as other key international partners. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and external affairs minister S Jaishankar have been speaking with their counterparts to assess developments and coordinate efforts.Jaishankar, in a post on X, shared about his dialogue with the EU’s high representative for foreign affairs and security policy, Kaja Kallas, on the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf. He wrote, “Had a telecon with EU HRVP Kaja Kallas. Our discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf.”PM Modi also spoke to two important leaders from the Gulf region on Tuesday. He had a phone call with Sultan of Oman, his majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik and the crown prince of Kuwait HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah.During both discussions, the Prime Minister expressed concern at the attacks in the respective countries and discussed the welfare and security of the Indian community residing there.The MEA statement also noted that Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries are actively assisting citizens on the ground.“They have also extended all possible help to those stranded by the conflict,” it said, adding that advisories and support networks are being updated regularly to ensure the safety and welfare of expatriates.India’s concerns extend beyond the welfare of its citizens. The MEA highlighted grave implications for trade and energy supply chains, noting that disruptions in the Gulf could severely affect India’s economy. The statement also condemned attacks on commercial vessels, after reports that some Indian crew members had been killed or gone missing in recent days.“As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping,” the ministry added.Recalling that it had earlier expressed “deep concern” when the conflict began on February 28, India underlined that it had urged “all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians.” The ongoing violence, it said, has only deepened its worry as the conflict has now spread to other nations during the holy month of Ramadan.Describing itself as a “proximate neighbour with critical stakes” in the region’s security and stability, India said it would continue to act decisively “in the national interest” while advocating peace and diplomacy.
