EAM Jaishankar, Iranian Counterpart Araghchi Discuss West Asia Conflict

(MENAFN- IANS) New Delhi, March 5 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi for the second time in less than a week on Thursday, discussing the evolving security situation in West Asia.

Following their conversation, EAM Jaishankar wrote on X, “Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this afternoon.”

EAM Jaishankar last spoke with Araghchi on February 28, expressing India’s concerns about recent developments in Iran and the region.

“Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shared India’s deep concern about the recent developments in Iran and the region,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X.

Earlier on Thursday, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on behalf of the Government of India, signed the condolence book at the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi and offered condolences on the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On Tuesday, India expressed concern over the start of conflict in Iran and the Gulf region and reiterated its call for dialogue and diplomacy. India called for an early end to the conflict as many lives have been lost.

In an official statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated, "We had expressed our deep concern at the start of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on 28 February 2026. Even at that time, India urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize civilian safety. Unfortunately, during the holy month of Ramadan, the situation in the region has significantly and continuously deteriorated.

“In recent days, we have not only seen an intensification of the conflict but also its spread to other nations. Destruction and deaths have increased, even as normal life and economic activities have come to a halt. As a neighboring country with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments cause great concern,” it added.

According to the MEA statement, the safety and well-being of around one crore Indian citizens living and working in the Gulf region remains the Indian government’s top priority. The Indian government will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and make relevant decisions in the national interest.

“We cannot remain unaffected by any development that negatively impacts them. Our trade and energy supply chains also pass through this region. Any major disruption would have serious consequences for the Indian economy. As a country with nationals prominent in the global workforce, India also strongly opposes attacks on merchant shipping. Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing due to such attacks in recent days.”

The MEA stated that Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain in close contact with Indian nationals and community organizations, issuing regular advisories and providing all possible assistance to those stranded by the conflict.

The conflict in West Asia was triggered by joint US-Israel strikes against Iran on February 28, aimed at degrading Tehran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure. The initial wave of the operation killed senior figures in the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, prompting Tehran to respond with drone and missile attacks targeting US assets, regional capitals, and allied forces across the region.

Iran’s retaliatory strikes have affected several countries, with missiles and drones intercepted over Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates, leading to temporary airspace closures.