India-Iran NSAs hold conversation amid fresh incidents in Hormuz Strait; Saudi situation

Amid growing regional tensions following Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and prevailing tense situation in the Strait of Hormuz, NSAs of India and Iran have held wide-ranging conversations on the regional and global developments.

The Iranian Embassy following the call on Monday night through a post on X said, “Dr Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of the Islamic Republic of Iran, held a telephone conversation this evening with Shri Ajit Doval, National Security Adviser of the Republic of India, during which they exchanged views on the latest regional and international developments and issues of mutual interest to the two countries.”

The phone call assumes significance amid fast changing developments in India’s extended neighbourhood including in Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Strait of Hormuz and threats of fresh US attacks against Tehran. It is also understood that connectivity projects and Chabahar Port would also figure in the discussions between the two NSAs. The Iranian President had a successful visit to India for the BRICS Summit mid September.


On Sunday India condemned the fresh attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz region. MT PETRO DOLPHIN was reportedly struck by a drone, with two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard reported missing. MT VALTHERA, a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker, was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in a fire onboard. All 11 Indian seafarers onboard MT VALTHERA are reported to be safe, an official said.

The Embassy of India in Muscat is closely monitoring the situation and coordinating with the Omani authorities and respective ship management companies for the rescue of missing Indians and to provide all possible assistance to the Indian crew, according to a MEA statement.

“The safety and security of Indian seafarers remain a priority for the Government of India.The recurring attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply concerning and risk further aggravating an already volatile situation,” the MEA noted.

“India reiterates the need for immediate de-escalation and a resolution to the ongoing conflict through dialogue and diplomacy. Attacks on commercial vessels, seafarers and civilian infrastructure must cease. Freedom of navigation and the safe, unimpeded flow of maritime commerce through international waterways, in accordance with international law, must be upheld,” according to MEA.

As many as 16 Indian nationals, including 10 seafarers, have been killed and another 75 injured in the West Asia conflict since February, the MEA told Parliament in July.

It may be recalled that Iran’s Deputy NSA Ghadir Nezamipour visited India in June and met Doval on the margins of the 16th BRICS National Security Advisers’ meeting.