'Dialogue, diplomacy only solution': Jaishankar addresses Iran war in Parliament
What's the story
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in the Rajya Sabha about the situation in West Asia, reiterating the government's position that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solution for all sides to de-escalate. "Our government had issued a statement...expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe...dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions."
EAM
Ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India
He said the ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India, as there are one crore Indians who live, study and work in the Gulf nations, including a few thousand Indians in Iran. "The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas....Serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability are serious issues," he said.
Modi
PM is closely monitoring the emerging developments
He further said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses. He informed the Rajya Sabha that the Indian embassy in Tehran has already assisted in relocating some students to safer regions and that efforts are also underway to assist Indians stuck in countries such as Qatar and Jordan.
Indians
Iran thanked India: EAM
Jaishankar said that till Sunday, almost 67,000 Indian nationals have crossed international borders. "Every effort is being made to bring back our people from West Asia." He also said that Iran's foreign minister thanked India for permitting the Iranian warship Lavan to dock at Kochi port after the US sank an Iranian frigate, IRIS Dena, off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing 87 people.
Port
Iran sought permission to use Indian ports
Jaishankar said that Iran had asked India on February 28 to let three of its ships that were operating in the region dock at Indian ports. The warship got permission on March 1 and docked on March 4. "It was the right thing to do," Jaishankar said. The second vessel was identified as IRIS Lavan, and the third ship, IRIS Bushehr.