MEA Confirms Triple Diplomatic Calls Between India and Iran to Secure Vital Sea Lanes
Jaishankar holds three talks with Iran FM on maritime safety, energy security, and Indian nationals’ welfare.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held three separate discussions with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi in recent days, focusing on maritime safety and India’s energy security amid rising tensions in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed the conversations during a press briefing on March 12, noting that the latest call addressed safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and the Persian Gulf, which are critical for global energy trade.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the talks specifically covered India’s concerns about potential disruptions to crude oil and LPG supplies. He added that while details of the discussions remain sensitive, the repeated calls reflect ongoing diplomatic engagement to safeguard India’s energy interests in the region.
Separately, India is reviewing diesel supply requests from neighbouring countries, including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. Jaiswal noted that India has been a major exporter of refined petroleum products to its neighbours, with diesel exports to Bangladesh ongoing since 2017. Any additional supply commitments will be considered after assessing India’s domestic fuel requirements, refining capacity, and overall availability.
Also Read: Iran Assures Safe Passage For Indian Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
The MEA also confirmed that around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, including students, seafarers, businesspeople, professionals, and pilgrims. Many students have already returned to India following earlier advisories, while others have been relocated from Tehran to safer locations. The government is assisting those wishing to exit Iran via land routes through Azerbaijan and Armenia, from where they can catch commercial flights back home.
The discussions come amid a period of heightened geopolitical tension in West Asia, including the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict and attacks affecting the Strait of Hormuz, which have disrupted global energy markets. India’s proactive engagement underscores its priority to ensure uninterrupted energy imports while safeguarding the safety of its citizens abroad.
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