External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar and his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India’s energy security during their last conversation. Briefing media in New Delhi this afternoon, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that both Ministers have held three conversations in the last few days.
Mr Jaiswal informed that there are around 9 thousand Indian nationals in Iran, and the Indian Government has shifted several Indians from Tehran to safer locations. It is also assisting those who wish to leave via Azerbaijan and Armenia with visas and land border crossings so they can take commercial flights back.
The Spokesperson further informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to several leaders in the Gulf region after the conflict started. In these conversations, Mr Modi stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy so that early peace can return. Mr Jaiswal also underlined the need to avoid civilian casualties and the need to protect civilians.
On petroleum products being sent to Bangladesh, the spokesperson stated that India is a major exporter of refined petroleum products, especially to its neighbourhood. He said India has received a request from Bangladesh for the supply of diesel, which is being examined. Given the people-centric and development-oriented approach to relations with Bangladesh, Mr Jaiswal highlighted that India has been supplying diesel from Numaligarh Refinery in Assam since 2007 through various modes – waterways, rail, and later through the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline.
A Sale-Purchase Agreement was signed in October 2017 between Numaligarh Refinery and Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation for the supply of High Speed Diesel on mutually agreed terms. The spokesperson mentioned that while diesel exports to Bangladesh have largely continued since 2007, India’s refining capacity and its own requirements and diesel availability will be factored in while taking decisions.
He added that India has also received such requests from several other countries, including Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and these are being examined, taking into account India’s own energy requirements.
Replying to another query, the spokesperson said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri signed the condolence book at the Iranian embassy on behalf of the Government of India. He pointed out that the Foreign Secretary did so on 5th March itself, which was the first day of the opening of the book.
On the GCC-led resolution at the UN Security Council, Mr Jaiswal stated that India has co-sponsored the resolution. He added that 135 countries have co-sponsored this particular resolution. He added that the resolution reflects several of India’s positions, that it has a large diaspora in the GCC countries, and their well-being and welfare are of utmost importance. He also stressed the importance of the Gulf for India’s energy security needs.
On Pakistan’s statement on the India-Canada deal, the spokesperson said New Delhi rejects this statement made by Pakistan on the matter. He said India’s credentials regarding non-proliferation are impeccable and well recognised by the global community. He stressed that a country with a well-documented history of clandestine nuclear proliferation can hardly preach the virtues of export controls and proliferation risks. He added that such ludicrous statements are nothing more than an attempt by Pakistan to distract from its own abysmal record.
