India Voices Deep Anxiety Over Escalating West Asia Conflict, Highlights Critical Stakes
With the conflict in the West Asia region intensifying further, India has expressed profound anxiety over the situation, stating it cannot remain impervious to any development that negatively affects nearly 1 crore Indian nationals residing in the Gulf. The government emphasized that any major disruption in the region would have serious consequences for the Indian economy, underscoring its critical stakes in the area.
Government Prioritizes Safety of Indian Citizens in Gulf
In a recent statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the safety and well-being of Indian citizens as the utmost priority. "There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography," Jaiswal said. He added that the government will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and make relevant decisions in the national interest.
India Calls for Restraint and Dialogue Amid Escalation
In its initial reaction to the commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region, India urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize the safety of civilians. Jaiswal noted, "Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramzan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously," while reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the crisis.
Opposition to Attacks on Merchant Shipping and Loss of Lives
As a country with a prominent global workforce, India firmly opposes attacks on merchant shipping. The MEA spokesperson revealed that some Indian nationals have already lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in recent days. India is raising its voice clearly in favor of an early end to the conflict and expressing grief over the loss of many lives.
Conflict Intensifies and Spreads, Evoking Great Anxiety
The government stated that in recent days, the conflict has not only intensified but also spread to other nations. "The destruction and deaths have mounted, even as normal life and economic activities have come to a halt. As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety," Jaiswal explained.
Proactive Measures by Indian Embassies and Consulates
Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain in close touch with Indian nationals and community organizations, issuing appropriate advisories on a regular basis. They have extended all possible help to those left stranded by the conflict and will continue to be proactive in addressing various consular aspects. The government is also in touch with the governments of the region and other key partners, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister holding discussions with their counterparts.
This statement follows Prime Minister Modi's condemnation of Iranian attacks in conversations with leaders of all GCC countries, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait, highlighting India's diplomatic engagement in the crisis.
