EAM Jaishankar Raises Maritime Safety With Iran
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has spoken with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and conveyed India’s deep concern over continuing hostilities in West Asia and the growing risks faced by commercial vessels and civilian seafarers.
Jaishankar Raises Maritime Safety With Iran
During the telephone conversation, Jaishankar stressed that commercial shipping and seafarers must not be targeted under any circumstances. The two ministers discussed the regional situation as tensions continued to affect navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
India has maintained diplomatic contact with Iran throughout the crisis, seeking the safe movement of Indian-linked ships and protection for seafarers operating in the region. New Delhi has previously clarified that there is no blanket agreement guaranteeing passage for Indian vessels and that individual transits require separate coordination.
Strait of Hormuz Shipping Risks Persist
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most important energy corridors, carrying a substantial share of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any prolonged disruption could affect fuel supplies, freight costs and energy prices internationally.
India is particularly exposed because of its dependence on imported crude oil, LPG and natural gas from West Asia. The government has repeatedly called for safe and uninterrupted navigation through international waterways to protect global commerce and economic stability.
Jaishankar’s latest outreach followed reports of vessels being stopped or turned back amid continuing military tensions in the region.
India Condemns Attacks on Seafarers
India has also raised maritime security concerns with Ukraine and Russia following attacks on commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Five Indian seafarers were killed in separate incidents during July.
Jaishankar told Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha that attacks by any party on merchant ships and civilian crew members were absolutely unacceptable. India has issued an advisory urging nationals to carefully assess security risks before accepting employment aboard vessels operating in the Black Sea and adjoining waters.
