New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has urged Iran to ensure that commercial shipping and seafarers are not targeted under any circumstances during the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
During a conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Jaishankar conveyed India’s deep concern over the continuing hostilities in the region and stressed the importance of safeguarding international maritime trade routes.
In a post on X, the External Affairs Minister said India strongly condemns attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers, regardless of the party responsible. He also noted that he was briefed on Iran’s perspective regarding the evolving situation and the diplomatic discussions currently underway, while reaffirming India’s consistent support for dialogue and peaceful diplomacy.
The appeal comes as the prolonged conflict in West Asia continues to impact Indian nationals working across the region. According to government data, since the conflict began in February 2026, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives. The fatalities include one in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq and four in the United Arab Emirates.
The government also stated that 75 Indians have been injured during the conflict, including 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, 13 in Kuwait, four in Qatar, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Israel.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security to review the safety of Indian seafarers serving on domestic and foreign flagged vessels operating in conflict zones. The Prime Minister directed concerned ministries to establish a dedicated mechanism for providing timely information, emergency assistance and counselling to seafarers and their families.
Speaking earlier at the G7 Summit in Evian, Prime Minister Modi had highlighted the strategic importance of secure maritime trade routes, stating that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected the global economy and underscoring the need to ensure that seafarers can carry out their work safely without fear.
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