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Jaishankar Speaks With Iran and Germany Counterparts as West Asia Conflict Escalates
India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held talks with his counterparts in Iran and Germany as New Delhi stepped up diplomatic engagement amid the escalating West Asia conflict.

India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with Abbas Araghchi on Tuesday to discuss the latest developments in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

During the conversation, both leaders reviewed the evolving situation and agreed to maintain communication as tensions continue in the region. Jaishankar later shared details of the discussion on X.

“A detailed conversation this evening with Foreign Minister @araghchi of Iran on the latest developments regarding the ongoing conflict. We agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar posted on X.

India Also Discusses Crisis With Germany

Earlier the same day, Jaishankar also held talks with Johann Wadephul regarding the conflict unfolding in West Asia. The two leaders exchanged views on the situation and the wider regional implications.

In another post on X, Jaishankar said, “Exchanged views with FM Johann Wadephul of Germany on the ongoing conflict in West Asia.”

Germany Voices Support for Israel

Following the discussions, Wadephul reiterated Germany’s position regarding the conflict, stating that Berlin supports Israel and stands alongside it during the ongoing crisis.

In a post on X, he wrote, “We stand with Israel. That is why I am here as Germany’s Foreign Minister. I’m in a region at war, in a country facing daily attacks from some of its neighbours. I visited the site of an Iranian strike, seeing firsthand the damage caused. The people of Israel are living under constant threat. We stand in solidarity with them in these difficult times. In my talks with Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, I pushed for efforts to prevent further escalation.”

He also stressed concerns regarding Iran’s military capabilities and regional role. “The Iranian nuclear & missile programs must be halted. Iran must end its support for terrorist groups. At the same time, Iran’s territorial integrity must be preserved - chaos in Iran would have severe consequences for the region and for Europe,” he added.

India Expands Diplomatic Outreach Amid Escalating Hostilities

The latest diplomatic contacts come as India increases engagement with key global and regional stakeholders following the outbreak of hostilities involving Iran, United States and Israel on February 28.

New Delhi has been maintaining communication with several countries involved in the crisis. The government is closely monitoring developments due to concerns about regional stability, the safety of Indian citizens living in Gulf nations and the potential impact on India’s energy supply.

Strait of Hormuz Disruptions Affect Energy Supplies

The ongoing conflict has disrupted energy shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow sea route between Iran and Oman normally carries nearly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil supply. The disruption has raised concerns in India about energy availability and supply stability.

Reports of commercial LPG shortages have already emerged in major Indian cities including Mumbai, Bengaluru and Kolkata. Restaurant associations in these cities have warned that LPG supply has become irregular. The Mumbai Hotels and Restaurants Association said about 20 percent of hotels in the city had temporarily stopped operations. The association also warned that up to half of the hotels could shut down if the supply situation does not improve.

Government Steps Up Measures to Stabilise Supply

The Indian government has taken several steps to manage the situation and minimise the impact on the domestic energy market. Officials said Indian refineries are currently operating at full capacity. They also noted that around 70 percent of India’s crude oil imports now come from routes that do not pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

These supplies mainly originate from Russia, the United States and countries in West Africa. In addition, domestic LPG production has been increased by about 10 percent through reprioritisation of resources.

To address issues faced by commercial LPG users, authorities have also formed a three-member committee consisting of executive directors from IndianOil, HPCL and BPCL. The committee will work on resolving supply concerns and coordinating with affected businesses.