India calls for respecting ‘sovereignty and territorial integrity’ of all countries, Pg7

Key Highlights:

• India urged restraint and prioritisation of civilian safety amidst the escalating conflict between the U.S.-Israel coalition and Iran in the Gulf region.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasised the need for dialogue and diplomacy, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states.
• UAE President Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan visited New Delhi in January, solidifying a Strategic Defence Partnership with India.
• Prime Minister Modi recently visited Israel, agreeing to increase the number of Indian workers by 50,000 in the next five years.
• Indian diplomatic missions in West Asia issued advisories for Indian citizens in countries including Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Iraq, and Israel.

Detailed Insights:

• The current conflict differs from previous ones as Iran targeted cities like Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain, which host significant numbers of Indian workers.
• The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states host over 10 million Indian workers, forming a crucial link between India and the region.
• The MEA stated that Indian missions are in contact with Indian nationals, advising them to remain vigilant and follow local security guidance.
• The potential evacuation of Indian citizens is challenging due to the region-wide dimension of the conflict.
• India has been actively engaging with decision-makers in the region, reflecting the dynamic situation in its extended neighborhood.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Sovereignty: Supreme authority of a state to govern itself.
• Territorial Integrity: The principle that a state has the right to defend its borders from encroachment.
• Diplomacy: The art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states.