Deeply concerned: India on escalating tensions in West Asia

New Delhi: India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the fresh targeting of commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and called upon all parties to exercise restraint.

West Asia witnessed fresh military actions after three oil tankers were attacked in the Strait of Hormuz.

Following the strikes reportedly by Iran, the US attacked a number of Iranian military installations. Iran also fired missiles on Kuwait and Bahrain.


"India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said.

It said these developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability.

"India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce," the MEA said.

"We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict," it added in a statement.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday said that the ceasefire was "over" because of Iranian attacks and the US was preparing for another night of strikes, fuelling concerns that the war could reignite.

Trump renewed his threats to strike Iran's civilian infrastructure, including electric plants and desalination plants, and to seize the oil-production hub of Kharg Island.