New Delhi: India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has said New Delhi remains in favour of peace, return to dialogue and diplomacy as he spoke about the Middle East conflict in the Lok Sabha.
The region is important for energy security, oil and gas supply, and the Gulf region is a major trading partner for India, accounting for almost $200 billion annually, Mr. Jaishankar noted.
“The committee focused on the implications for regional security and for economic and commercial activities,” he said.
The Minister said attacks on merchant shipping have affected Indian seafarers, with casualties reported and one Indian mariner still missing. Mr. Jaishankar said the government had issued a series of travel advisories since January, urging Indian nationals to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and advising those already there to remain in contact with the Indian embassy and follow safety precautions.Mr. Jaishankar said this war is of particular concern to India.
“There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations and in Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians, who are there for study and employment. Every effort is being made to bring back Indians stuck in West Asia,” he said.
India also advocates de-escalation, restraint, and ensuring the safety of civilians, he was quoted as saying. He said the developments in West Asia were a “deep cause for concern for all of us”.
