New Delhi: India on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, stating that the widening hostilities in Iran and the Gulf region evoke “great anxiety” given New Delhi’s close proximity and critical stakes in regional stability.
In a statement issued on March 3, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that India had earlier urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise civilian safety when the conflict began on February 28. However, the situation has since deteriorated significantly, even during the holy month of Ramadan, with the fighting intensifying and spreading to additional countries.
“As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety,” the MEA said, noting that destruction and loss of life have mounted while normal life and economic activity in parts of the region have come to a halt.
The government highlighted that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf region, making their safety and well-being an overriding priority. “We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” the statement said, adding that India’s trade and energy supply chains pass through the region and that any major disruption could have serious consequences for the Indian economy.
India also firmly opposed attacks on merchant shipping, stating that some Indian nationals have lost their lives or remain missing in recent days as a result of such incidents. The statement comes amid heightened maritime tensions in the Gulf waters following drone and missile attacks linked to the ongoing hostilities.
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Reiterating its position, India called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis and urged an early end to the conflict. “Already, many lives have been regrettably lost and we express our grief in that regard,” the MEA said.
Indian embassies and consulates in affected countries are in close contact with Indian nationals and community organisations, issuing regular advisories and extending assistance to those stranded by the conflict. The government said diplomatic missions will continue to proactively address consular concerns.
The MEA further stated that India is in touch with governments in the region as well as key international partners. The Prime Minister and the External Affairs Minister have held discussions with their counterparts regarding the evolving situation.
The government said it will continue to closely monitor developments and take appropriate decisions in the national interest.
