Jaishankar Calls Iran FM Araghchi, Denounces Attacks on Merchant Vessels

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, voicing’

India’s concerns over the deteriorating security situation in West Asia and calling for the protection of commercial shipping and civilian seafarers amid escalating hostilities. Sharing details of the conversation on X, Jaishankar said India had urged that merchant vessels and their crews must not be targeted under any circumstances and reiterated New Delhi’s longstanding position in favour of dialogue and diplomacy.

“Had a tele-conversation with FM Araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region. Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstance. India condemns any such attack by any party,” he said.

Jaishankar added that India remains committed to a diplomatic resolution of the crisis and noted that Araghchi had shared Iran’s assessment of the latest developments in the region.

The call comes as attacks on commercial vessels in the Gulf have intensified, raising concerns over the safety of global shipping routes and the welfare of thousands of seafarers, including Indian nationals serving aboard merchant ships.

For India, the issue carries particular significance as a large number of Indian sailors work on international cargo vessels traversing the conflict-hit waters. New Delhi has consistently stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting maritime trade from the fallout of regional conflicts.

The conversation also follows the US Central Command’s announcement that it has expanded maritime security operations in the region amid rising tensions. According to CENTCOM, US forces have redirected several commercial vessels and carried out boarding operations to secure vital shipping lanes.

The latest escalation comes after the United States launched retaliatory strikes on multiple Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targets following an attempted Iranian missile attack on US forces stationed in Jordan.

As the conflict shows little sign of easing, India has continued to advocate restraint, urging all sides to avoid further escalation and pursue diplomatic engagement to restore regional stability.