India condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers during a telephone conversation between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi.
The diplomatic exchange underscores India's growing concern over maritime instability in critical trade corridors. Because Indian seafarers operate globally, escalating violence in strategic waterways directly threatens the safety of Indian citizens and the flow of international commerce.
During the call on Aug. 1, 2024 [1], Jaishankar raised specific concerns regarding attacks in the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea region [1]. He said all parties involved in the regional tensions should refrain from targeting commercial vessels to ensure the safety of those at sea [2].
"India condemns attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers by any party," Jaishankar said [2].
The conversation served as a platform for India to signal its neutrality while demanding the protection of non-combatant shipping. Jaishankar said he was informed about Iran's perspective regarding current developments during the discussion [2].
India's position emphasizes that commercial shipping must remain insulated from political and military conflicts. The minister said that the safety of Indian seafarers is a priority for the government as tensions continue to rise in the Middle East and surrounding maritime zones [1], [2].
“India condemns attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers by any party.”
India's direct engagement with Iran highlights its strategy of maintaining diplomatic channels with all regional powers to safeguard its economic interests. By explicitly condemning attacks in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea, New Delhi is asserting that maritime security is a global imperative that transcends local geopolitical disputes.
