- Jaishankar spoke with Iranian counterpart Araghchi about the ongoing conflict
- Iran condemned US-Israel bombing as violation of UN principles and international law
- Iran blamed US aggression for insecurity and shipping issues in Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi late Tuesday. It was their third such conversation since the war began on Feb. 28.
"A detailed conversation this evening with Foreign Minister @araghchi of Iran on the latest developments regarding the ongoing conflict. We agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar said on X following his talks with the Iranian foreign minister. There was no detailed statement from the Ministry of External Affairs.
A brief from the Iranian side said Araghchi described the 11-day bombing campaign by the US and Israel "as a violation of the fundamental principles and rules of the United Nations Charter and international law, noting that all governments have a responsibility to condemn this military aggression and blatant law-breaking".
The foreign minister blamed "insecure situation" and problems arising for shipping in the Persian Gulf and vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz on US aggression.
It was the first phone conversation between the two foreign ministers after Tehran announced the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader. His father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was assassinated in a joint US-Israel military strike.
Jaishankar and Araghchi spoke on Feb. 28, soon after the US and Israel launched air raids over Iran that killed Ali Khamenei. They also spoke on March 5.
Global oil and gas prices have surged after Iran virtually blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman that handles roughly 20% of global oil and LNG (liquefied natural gas). India has ramped up efforts to protect its energy security amid the virtual blockade of the waterway.
Jaishankar also spoke to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and exchanged views on the unfolding crisis in the Middle East. South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung is expected to visit India within the next two months.
De-Escalation
On Monday, Jaishankar stated in Parliament that India advocates de-escalation and return to dialogue and diplomacy while stressing on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region. He also said safety of Indian nationals as well as national interests such as energy security and trade remain top most priority for the government.
"India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint, and ensuring the safety of civilians," he said. "The wellbeing and security of the Indian community in the region is our priority. And our national interests, including energy security and trade, will always remain paramount."
(With PTI inputs)
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