External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has held discussions with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on issues related to maritime safety and energy security amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday.
The conversation comes in the wake of attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route between Iran and Oman that handles a significant portion of global oil trade.
Addressing a press briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two leaders have spoken three times in recent days, with the latest conversation focusing on ensuring safe passage for ships and maintaining stable energy supplies.
“EAM and the Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days. The latest discussion was related to safety of shipping and India’s energy security,” Jaiswal said, adding that it would be premature to disclose further details.
The MEA also said that around 9,000 Indian nationals are currently in Iran, including students, seafarers, professionals, businesspersons and pilgrims. Authorities are assisting them amid security concerns arising from the ongoing conflict in the region.
According to the ministry, several Indian nationals—mainly students—have already returned to India. Others, including students and pilgrims in Tehran, have been relocated to safer locations within the country.
India is also facilitating travel for citizens wishing to leave Iran through neighbouring countries. The MEA said assistance is being provided for visa arrangements and land border crossings into Azerbaijan and Armenia, from where commercial flights to India are available.
The ministry advised Indian nationals planning to leave Iran through land routes to strictly follow the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Tehran.
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Iraq confirmed a fatal maritime incident involving a crude oil tanker near Basra. The vessel, Safesea Vishnu, a US-owned tanker sailing under the Marshall Islands flag, was reportedly attacked on March 11.
According to the embassy, one Indian crew member lost his life in the incident, while the remaining 15 Indian crew members were evacuated to a safe location.
The MEA expressed concern over the targeting of commercial shipping in the region. In a statement, the ministry said it deplores attacks on civilian vessels, noting that the escalating violence has already claimed lives, including those of Indian citizens.
The incident follows earlier attacks on merchant ships operating in the region, including the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree, which was bound for India when it was struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz.
-ANI
