Jaishankar Speaks to Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi Amid Rising West Asia Tensions

New Delhi: Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Tuesday had a detailed phone conversation with Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and discussed the latest situation of the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Both the leaders agreed to remain in touch in future also.

Why is this conversation considered so important?

To understand the entire incident, we have to go back a little. On February 28, Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei was killed in a joint attack by America and Israel, after which all of West Asia came in the grip of open conflict. It is considered very important diplomatically for India to maintain direct communication with Iran at such a critical time.

Have there been talks between these two leaders before?

This is the third time Jaishankar has spoken to Araghchi — since the US and Israel's joint military strikes on Iran. Earlier in the conversation, Araghchi termed the recent actions of America and Israel as "military aggression" and said that governments around the world and the United Nations should strongly condemn these steps. 

What is India's stand on this entire matter?

India has clearly advocated dialogue and diplomacy. The MEA said that "we raise our voice in favor of an early end to this conflict." Many lives have been lost and we express our deep sorrow over this." 

Was there also discussion on the security of Indian citizens?

This issue is at the center of this entire diplomacy. About one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries. MEA clearly said that their security is the top priority and India cannot turn a blind eye to any development that may harm them. Apart from this, MEA has also warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is closed, there could be a huge jump in oil prices.

In which direction is the whole crisis going?

The US and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, in response to which Iran retaliated throughout the Gulf region. So far, more than 1,200 people have died in Iran, 570 in Lebanon and 12 in Israel, while 7 American soldiers have also been killed. In such a situation, maintaining India's diplomatic contacts — whether it is Jaishankar's talks with Iran or dialogue with regional countries — has become India's most important role in this entire crisis.