External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart and expressed concerns over the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East region and urged that the attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstances.
Taking to X, Jaishankar wrote, “Had a tele-conversation with FM Araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region.”
“Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party,” the Indian Foreign Affairs Minister said.
Jaishankar added that Araghchi briefed him on Iran’s perspective regarding the evolving situation and the discussions currently underway. “Was apprised of Iran’s perspective of current developments and discussions underway. India is always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy.”
Indian killed in Iranian attack
Earlier this month, an Indian sailor was killed and six other Indian nationals were among eight crew members injured after two Emirati oil tankers were attacked by an Iranian missile in the Strait of Hormuz.
The vessels, Mombasa and Al Bahiyah, were transiting the southern shipping lane within Omani territorial waters when they were struck, which led fires that were later brought under control.
Situation Tense In Middle East
The US military, in its operations against Iran, on Friday stated that American forces have redirected dozens of commercial vessels while maintaining an extensive surveillance and naval presence across the Middle East.
“As of July 30, CENTCOM forces have redirected 24 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure full compliance,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said, underscoring the scale of the ongoing operation.
Earlier on Wednesday, the United States launched a new wave of military strikes against Iran in retaliation for what American officials described as an attempted Iranian attack on US forces in the Middle East.
The strikes came less than 24 hours after Iran launched ballistic missiles targeting US military positions in Jordan, an attack that US officials said was thwarted by air defences. President Donald Trump had earlier vowed a forceful response, saying the United States would hit Iran “very hard” following the attempted attack.
(With agency inputs)