Following a surge in attacks on commercial shipping that resulted in gunfire exchanged between Iranian and American military forces, India expressed its significant concern on Wednesday regarding the heightened tensions in West Asia, emphasizing the implications for regional peace and security.
This statement from New Delhi coincided with remarks from U.S. President Donald Trump, who indicated that the U.S. was readying for further military action against Iran, declaring the previous ceasefire null due to Iranian provocations.
Simultaneously, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is in Kuwait as part of a diplomatic mission to four countries in the region, which also includes Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain.
The Ministry of External Affairs released a statement underscoring India’s worries about the recent surge in violence and tensions in West Asia, particularly following new attacks on commercial vessels navigating the region’s international waters.
The statement highlighted that such incidents threaten to destabilize regional peace, security, and stability. India urged all involved parties to practice restraint, de-escalate the situation, and protect civilians, as well as ensure the steady flow of energy and trade.
Moreover, the Ministry encouraged a return to diplomatic discussions to achieve a sustainable resolution to the ongoing conflict.
In the wake of attacks on three tankers on Tuesday, the U.S. conducted strikes against Iranian targets, prompting Iranian forces to retaliate by targeting American military installations in the Gulf.
Reports from Iranian state media detailed explosions in various locations, including Bandar Mahshahr, where a member of the Revolutionary Guard lost their life, as well as attacks near Bushehr, which houses Iran’s nuclear power facilities.
On Wednesday morning, missile alerts were activated in Bahrain, where the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet is based, and in Kuwait, which hosts U.S. Army personnel. The Revolutionary Guard confirmed its involvement in targeting U.S. military sites in both nations.
Minister Jaishankar’s visit to the Gulf states is part of a broader tour that includes six countries, from July 5 to 15, and will also take him to the United States and Belgium.
The Gulf nations, which have hosted American military forces and infrastructure for decades, have been subjected to Iranian attacks as a counteraction to U.S. and Israeli military operations that commenced in February.
Shubhajit Roy, the Diplomatic Editor at The Indian Express, has over 25 years of journalism experience, having joined the publication in 2003. He has extensively reported on foreign affairs and has led the national government and political coverage team. Roy has received multiple accolades for his journalistic contributions, including the Ramnath Goenka Journalism Award for Excellence in Journalism in 2016 and a special mention for the Journalist of the Year award in 2022 from IIMCAA for his coverage during significant international events.
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