India cannot remain ‘impervious’ if its citizens are hurt in Gulf conflict: govt., Pg11

Key Highlights:

• The MEA expressed "grave anxiety" about the Israel-U.S.-Iran conflict, prioritizing the safety of nearly one crore Indian citizens in West Asia.
• Prime Minister Modi and EAM Jaishankar engaged in telephone diplomacy with leaders from Qatar, Kuwait, UAE, Israel, Saudi Arabia, and others.
• Three Indian sailors died in attacks on oil tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, with 15-20 others injured.
• Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured that India has sufficient energy reserves despite concerns about energy security.

Detailed Insights:

• The Indian government is concerned about the impact of the conflict on trade and energy supply chains, given India's critical stakes in the region.
• EAM Jaishankar discussed the conflict with the EU's High Representative and his Cypriot counterpart, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
• India firmly opposes attacks on merchant shipping, as several Indian nationals have already lost their lives or are missing due to such attacks.
• The government is closely monitoring Iran’s attacks on oil tankers, as most ships operating in the region have Indian crew members.
• Indian missions are actively engaged with the Indian community across West Asia, assisting those affected by flight disruptions.
• The Indian embassy in Tehran has relocated most Indian students to safer locations outside the city.
• The Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways chaired a review meeting to assess the security environment in the Persian Gulf.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Strait of Hormuz: A narrow waterway between Oman and Iran, crucial for global oil transit.
• Energy Security: A nation's ability to secure sufficient and affordable energy supplies.
• Telephone Diplomacy: Diplomatic efforts conducted through telephone conversations between leaders.