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YMAM
Desk
New Delhi, March 3, 2026:
India's External Affairs Ministry has expressed deep concern at the
commencement of the conflict in Iran and the Gulf region on 28 February.
Further in the statement, Ministry
of External Affairs (MEA) said, India had urged all sides to exercise
restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians.
Unfortunately, in the holy month of
Ramadan, the situation in the region has deteriorated significantly and
continuously.
In recent days, we have not only witnessed
an intensification of the conflict but also its spread to other nations.
The destruction and deaths have
mounted, even as normal life and economic activities come to a halt. As a
proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the
region, these developments evoke great anxiety.
There are almost one crore Indian
citizens who live and work in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being is
of utmost priority.
We cannot be impervious to any
development that negatively affects them. Our trade and energy supply chains
also traverse this geography.
Any major disruption has serious
consequences for the Indian economy. As a country whose nationals are prominent
in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant
shipping.
Already, some Indian nationals have
lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few
days.
In this background, India strongly
reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We raise our voice clearly in
favour of an early end to the conflict. Already, many lives have been
regrettably lost and we express our grief in that regard.
Indian Embassies and Consulates in
the affected countries remain in close touch with Indian nationals and
community organizations, issuing regular advisories as appropriate.
They have also extended all possible
help to those stranded by the conflict. The Embassies and Consulates will
continue to be proactive in addressing various consular aspects of this
conflict.
We are in touch with the Governments
of this region as well as other key partners. Prime Minister and External
Affairs Minister have held discussions with their counterparts.
Government will continue to closely
monitor the evolving situation and take relevant decisions in the national
interest.