India has expressed concern at the recent attacks on energy installations across the Gulf region, terming them deeply disturbing. In response to media queries regarding attacks against energy infrastructure in the Gulf region, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the attacks risk further destabilising an already uncertain global energy scenario. Mr Jaiswal said that such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease.
Briefing the media in New Delhi, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said that energy supply remains a major concern, with shipping routes also being impacted. He said, LPG availability is under watch, adding that the government is prioritising domestic consumers while actively working to diversify energy sources. Mr. Jaiswal said global leaders are in constant touch over the evolving situation in West Asia, and India has clearly conveyed its position on the issue. He added that energy assistance has been sought by neighbouring countries including Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Talking about the Pakistani air strikes in Afghanistan, Mr Jaiswal said that India condemns such barbaric strikes which target civilian infrastructure and cause a lot of misery to people. Talking about US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard’s statement on Pakistan, the spokesperson said that Pakistan has a history of clandestine nuclear proliferation. He said Pakistan poses a threat to the world because of their clandestine nuclear operations.
On seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz, Mr Jaiswal stated that India has a large community of seafarers, and 90 percent of Indian seafaring community workers serve global commercial shipping. He said India has 22 ships in the Strait of Hormuz with 611 seafarers. He assured that India is in touch with their companies and several seafarers have also come back.
On students stranded in Iran, Mr Jaiswal informed us that there are a large number of students, including girls from Kashmir, who are studying medical education in Iran. He said India is trying its best to help them. He stressed that all Indian nationals who desire to cross Iran’s land border must first get in touch with the Indian embassy in Iran so that the process is smooth. He expressed hope that over the next few days, all of them will be coming back home.
On Chabahar port, Mr Jaiswal said the US side has given guidance extending the conditional sanctions waiver for Chabahar Port until the 26th of April. He said the government remains engaged with all concerned in order to address the implications of these developments.
Replying to a query on six Ukrainians and one American citizen detained by NIA, the spokesperson said it is a legal matter and relevant government agencies are investigating it. He said they have received a consular access request, and these will be addressed, keeping in mind the legal requirements that are involved in the case.
