PM Modi calls for early restoration of peace
New Delhi, Mar 19: As fresh attacks on West Asian gas hubs triggered global concerns, India on Thursday said the strikes are “unacceptable and need to cease” even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to top leaders of Oman, Jordan, France and Malaysia, emphasising the urgency to restore peace in the volatile region.
Following his phone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Modi said the attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are “condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation”.
New Delhi described the attacks on the gas infrastructure as “deeply disturbing” and that assaults will only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain energy market globally.
An Israeli attack on Iran’s strategic gas fields of South Pars on Wednesday resulted in an intense Iranian retaliation on key energy infrastructure in a number of Gulf nations including Qatar’s LNG (liquefied natural gas) hub of Ras Laffan. Qatar accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India’s LNG requirement.
India’s reaction to the attacks on the energy infrastructure appeared to mark a nuanced shift in its position as it did not distinguish between Israeli strike on the Iranian gas hub and Iran’s counter attack.
New Delhi had earlier only condemned Iran’s attacks on civilian infrastructure in several Gulf nations, including Oman, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, but stopped short of denouncing attacks on Iranian facilities.
“India had previously called for the avoidance of targeting civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure, across the region,” External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said at his weekly media briefing.
“The recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across this region are therefore deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world,” he said.
“Such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease,” Jaiswal said without naming any country.
The spokesperson said LNG supply could be impacted due to the latest attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But he also said India is in talks with several countries and stakeholders to see how best it can secure the country’s energy needs.
The fresh attacks resulted in a further spike in global energy prices, with crude oil prices hitting USD 115 a barrel.
As concerns mounted over the escalating situation in West Asia, PM Modi spoke to Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Jordan King, French President Emmanuel Macron and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim.
In his conversation with the Omani Sultan, Modi also spoke about the need for free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically key shipping lane.
“We agreed on the need to prioritize dialogue and diplomacy for de-escalation and subsequent restoration of peace and stability,” the prime minister said on social media.
Modi said he also reiterated India’s condemnation of the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and appreciated the Gulf nation’s efforts to facilitate the safe return of thousands of people, including Indian nationals.
“India and Oman stand for safe and free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz,” Modi said.
Oman is among the Gulf nations bearing the brunt of Iranian retaliation following strikes by Israel and the US on Iranian targets.
Following his phone conversation with Macron on the situation in West Asia, Modi said there is an “urgent need for de-escalation, as well as a return to dialogue and diplomacy.”
“We look forward to continuing our close coordination to advance peace and stability in the region and beyond,” he said.
Macron said India and France are “working closely together to reduce tensions in the region and to keep diplomacy at the heart of our efforts for peace”.
After speaking to Ibrahim, Modi said: “We also discussed the deeply concerning situation in West Asia and reaffirmed our shared commitment to de-escalation and the early restoration of peace and stability through dialogue and diplomacy.”
On his talks with Jordan’s King, Modi said India and Jordan stand in support of “unhindered transit of goods and energy”.
“We expressed concern at the evolving situation in West Asia and highlighted the need for dialogue and diplomacy for the early restoration of peace, security and stability in the region,” Modi said.
“Attacks on energy infrastructure in West Asia are condemnable and can lead to avoidable escalation,” he said.
“Deeply appreciated Jordan’s efforts in facilitating the safe return of Indians stranded in the region,” he added.
In a related move, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar.
“Exchanged views on the ongoing West Asia conflict and its many repercussions,” the external affairs minister said on social media.
Jaishankar also held a meeting with United Arab Emirates’ Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy.
“Thanked the UAE Government for taking care of the Indian community. Discussed the latest developments pertaining to the conflict in West Asia,” the external affairs minister said on ‘X’.
At the media briefing, Jaiswal also spoke about the Indian seafarers stranded onboard various merchant vessels due to restrictions on passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We have a large community of seafarers, possibly the largest in the world. Ninety per cent of our seafaring community serve global commercial shipping. We have 22 ships,” he said.
According to estimates, around 610 seafarers are stuck onboard over 20 ships.
“We have seafarers across the region. We are in touch with their companies. Several seafarers have also come back. For example, 15 seafarers who were injured have come back to India or will be arriving in India shortly,” he said.
As the overall situation deteriorated further in West Asia, several global leaders called for de-escalation of the situation.
“It is time to open a path towards de-escalation in order to restore stability in the Middle East,” French President Macron said.
“France calls for the immediate implementation of a moratorium on strikes targeting civilian infrastructure, whether related to water or to energy. Freedom and security of navigation must be restored,” he said.
Macron said tempers must cool and hostilities must cease, in order to give a real chance to the prospect of a negotiated solution to the crisis.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated that US President Donald Trump is willing to halt the military action.
After Iran attacked Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG facility, Trump threatened to blow up Iran’s largest gas field if Tehran keeps up its attacks on Qatar.
