NEW DELHI, July 31: The External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, expressing India’s deep concern over the escalating hostilities in the region and urging that commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and their seafarers not be targeted under any circumstances.
In a post on X, Jaishankar said India strongly condemns attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers by any party. “Had a tele-conversation with FM @araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region,” Jaishankar said.
“Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party,” he added.
He added that he had urged all sides to refrain from targeting commercial shipping and reiterated India’s position that such attacks are unacceptable.
Jaishankar also said Araghchi briefed him on Iran’s assessment of the evolving situation and the ongoing diplomatic efforts. Reaffirming New Delhi’s stance, he said India continued to support dialogue and diplomacy as the preferred path to resolving the crisis.
(Manas Dasgupta)
