New Delhi, March 11 (IANS) External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar discussed the ongoing conflict in West Asia during a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday.
“Appreciate the exchange of assessments today with FM Jean-Noel Barrot of France on the West Asia conflict. Look forward to continuing it in person,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the phone call.
The talks between two ministers comes amid ongoing conflict in West Asia which started after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran on February 28, triggering a sweeping response from Tehran in the form of drone and missile attacks targetting US assets, regional capitals and allied forces in West Asia.
On Tuesday, the External Affairs Minister engaged in a detailed telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, focusing on the latest developments in the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “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.”
The call, which took place on Tuesday, indicates India’s proactive diplomatic outreach as tensions in the region remain high. This marks one of the recent high-level interactions between the two ministers, following earlier telecons amid the escalating crisis involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
EAM Jaishankar also spoke with his South Korean counterpart Cho Hyun on Tuesday, discussing bilateral ties and the current situation in West Asia.
“The two ministers also exchanged views on the situation on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, and particularly discussed the situation in the Middle East, which has a significant impact on security and the economy worldwide. The two ministers agreed to maintain close communication in implementing national security measures in response to developments in the Middle East,” read a statement issued by South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Following their talks, EAM Jaishankar also posted on X, writing: “A good conversation with FM Cho Hyun of RoK. Discussed advancing our bilateral agenda. As also the situation in West Asia, including its energy implications.”
Earlier on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar held telephonic conversation with his German counterpart Johann Wadephul amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
“Exchanged views with FM Johann Wadephul of Germany on the ongoing conflict in West Asia,” EAM Jaishankar posted on X after the meeting.
Over the past few days, EAM Jaishankar has also spoken with his counterparts from several other nations, including Italy and Oman as India remains in touch with the governments of the region and other key partners amid the tense security situation in West Asia.
India has consistently advocated for de-escalation, restraint, dialogue, and diplomacy as the path forward, while prioritising the protection of Indian nationals in the region and ensuring uninterrupted energy availability.
–IANS
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