In call with Iran's Araghchi, Jaishankar raises ship attacks

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, noting that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers must be avoided under any circumstances.

In a post on X, Jaishankar said he conveyed India's deep concerns over the escalating conflict and reiterated New Delhi's consistent support for dialogue and diplomacy. "Was apprised of Iran's perspective of current developments and discussions underway. India is always supportive of dialogue and diplomacy," Jaishankar wrote.

"...Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region.Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party," he added.


This was the first phone call between the two Foreign Ministers in recent weeks. India bound ships have faced difficulties while transiting Hormuz Strait.

The government said that since the outbreak of the West Asia conflict in February, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have lost their lives in the region. The fatalities include one Indian in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq and four in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As many as 75 Indians have been injured, including 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, 13 in Kuwait, four in Qatar, one in Saudi Arabia and one in Israel.

MEA 'in touch' with families of two missing Indian seafarers

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday said that it is in close touch with the family members of the two Indian nationals who remain missing after the vessel MV AG N Ragnar came under attack while leaving Ukraine's Odesa port on July 25.