 "External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Source: Reuters / File")
With the tensions between Iran and Israel reaching an all-time high, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his Iranian and Israeli counterparts to discuss the ongoing situation in West Asia.
Jaishankar held telephonic conversations with both Iranian and Israeli foreign ministers and called for the de-escalation of the conflict. During his calls with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, the EAM also discussed the release of 17 Indian crew members who were present on the cargo ship which was eventually seized by Iran on Saturday.
“Spoke to Iranian FM. Took up the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries. Discussed the current situation in the region. Stressed the importance of avoiding escalation, exercising restraint and returning to diplomacy. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar wrote on X, formally known as Twitter.
In a separate post, the Indian diplomat stated that he held talks with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, and agreed to stay in touch with Tel Aviv amid the ongoing crisis.
“Just concluded a conversation with Israel FM Israel Katz. Shared our concern about the developments yesterday. Discussed the larger regional situation. Agreed to stay in touch,” he wrote on X.
The diplomatic exchanges came after Iran unleashed over 300 drones and missiles at the Israeli territory in an unprecedented attack late Saturday. The Iranian authorities mentioned that the attacks were conducted in retaliation to the Israeli strikes on the Iranian embassy in Damascus.
However, the Israeli military maintained that its air defence system along with the help of the United States and its Western allies, the Jewish nation has managed to intercept 99 per cent of the strikes.
Iran says Indian officials will be allowed to meet Indian crew members
During the call, Iran said that Indian representatives will soon be allowed to meet the 17 Indian crew members of MSC ARIES. Following the talks, the Iranian foreign ministry released a statement on the matter.
As per the press release, Abdollahian mentioned that they are following up on the details related to the detained ship and soon would allow the Indian representatives to meet the crew stranded in the region.
Iran also urged India to continue supporting Tehran through international institutions like the UNSC. The Iranian FM reiterated Iran’s demand for a sustainable ceasefire in Gaza and described the ongoing Israel-Hamas war as the “root of the current crisis in the region”.
Jaishankar reiterated that the most important issue for India is to witness a “reduction in tensions” in the region.