Our Bureau
New Delhi
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held his third phone call with Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, as tensions in West Asia escalate. The discussion focused on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel, which began on February 28 with joint US-Israel strikes. Both leaders agreed to stay in close touch to monitor the rapidly changing situation.
The call comes after two earlier conversations: one right after the initial attacks that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and another on March 5. Iran has since named Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader. Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on recent US-Israel actions, including a missile strike on a girls’ elementary school that killed over 100 children, plus hits on civilian sites and public centers.
A major worry is the virtual blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global shipping lanes. This has raised fears over energy supplies, as India imports much of its crude oil through this route. Officials note that Indian refineries are at full capacity, with 70% of crude now from alternative sources like Russia, the US, and West Africa to ease the impact.
Jaishankar’s outreach extends beyond Iran. He also spoke with foreign ministers from Germany, South Korea, Russia, France, and the EU about the crisis’s effects on global security, economy, and Indian nationals’ safety. India has issued fresh travel advisories, urging citizens to avoid Iran and use commercial flights to leave.
