Middle East tensions: Have critical stakes in Gulf, will act in national interest, says government

NEW DELHI: With the conflict in the West Asia region intensifying further, India has expressed deep anxiety over the issue, saying it cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects almost 1 crore Indian nationals in the Gulf and that any major disruption in the region would have serious consequences for the Indian economy.

The latest statement by ministry of external affairs (MEA), which also strongly protested attacks on merchant shipping, underlining India's critical stakes in the region, followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi's condemnation of the Iranian attacks in conversations with the leaders of all GCC countries: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait.


"There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being is of utmost priority. Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, adding that the govt will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation and make relevant decisions in national interest.

In its first reaction to commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on Saturday, India had urged all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise the safety of civilians.

"Unfortunately, in the holy month of Ramzan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and continuously," Jaiswal said, while reiterating India's call for dialogue and diplomacy.

As a country whose nationals are a prominent part of the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping, , said the ministry.

"Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days," said the MEA spokesperson, adding India was raising its voice clearly in favour of an early end to the conflict and expressing grief over the loss of many lives.

The govt said that in recent days, the conflict had not only intensified but also spread to other nations.

"The destruction and deaths have mounted, even as normal life and economic activities have come to a halt. As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety," said Jaiswal.

Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries remain in close touch with Indian nationals and community organisations, issuing appropriate advisories on a regular basis, said the ministry.

"They have also extended all possible help to those left stranded by the conflict. The embassies and consulates will continue to be proactive in addressing various consular aspects of this conflict. We are in touch with the Governments of this region as well as other key partners. Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister have held discussions with their counterparts," it said.

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