Jaishankar Expresses Concern Over Escalating Iran-Israel Tensions

Tensions between Israel and Iran are a pressing concern, said External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, highlighting India’s diplomatic efforts to address the situation. Speaking at the Manama Dialogue in Bahrain during a two-day visit, Jaishankar emphasized India’s focus on mitigating the security risks in West Asia, given their impact on trade and energy supplies.

He noted that India is working to address the challenges posed by the conflict, mentioning the diversion of maritime routes and rising shipping costs. “In recent times, for all of us, the relationship or absence of it between Israel and Iran has been particularly a source of concern, so some of our diplomatic efforts have focused on that particular aspect,” Jaishankar said, without elaborating.

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West Asia’s strategic importance for India, with its energy resources and nine million expatriates, makes the region critical to India’s foreign policy. Regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict, Jaishankar reiterated India’s condemnation of terrorism and hostage-taking by Hamas, while urging Israel to consider humanitarian concerns and calling for a return to dialogue for a two-state solution.

On security, Jaishankar highlighted India’s naval presence in the Gulf of Aden and Northern Arabian Sea, which has facilitated rescues and ship escorts. He discussed India’s collaboration with Operation Prosperity Guardian and participation in the Combined Maritime Forces in Bahrain.

Jaishankar also underscored the significance of connectivity projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) and International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC). “The IMEC will bring the Atlantic to India, while the IMTT will connect India to the Pacific,” he said, envisioning a corridor linking Europe, the Arabian Peninsula, and Asia.