External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar has held three critical conversations with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in recent days to discuss the deteriorating safety of merchant shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Amid a broader regional conflict that began on 28 February 2026, the discussions focused on protecting India’s vital energy security and the lives of Indian seafarers. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed these dialogues on Thursday, following reports of attacks on commercial vessels and the tragic loss of Indian lives at sea.
While some reports suggested Iran might allow safe passage for Indian-flagged tankers, the MEA stated it is “premature” to confirm such an agreement, as New Delhi continues to prioritise the safety of its 9,000 nationals currently in the region.
Safeguarding the Strait: Diplomacy Amid Volatility
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway responsible for nearly one-third of the world’s seaborne oil, has become a dangerous flashpoint. MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasised that the primary focus remains the “safety of shipping and India’s energy security.”
This diplomatic push follows the recent death of an Indian crew member aboard a US-owned tanker near Basra and an earlier attack on the Thai vessel Mayuree Naree, which was bound for India. Jaiswal remarked, “The last [conversation] discussed issues pertaining to the safety of shipping and India’s energy security. Beyond that, it would be premature for me to say anything.” The government is also coordinating the relocation of Indian students and pilgrims from Tehran to safer zones, while assisting others in returning home via land borders in Azerbaijan and Armenia.
A Regional Crisis and the Path to Stability
The current instability stems from an intensification of the West Asia conflict, which has severely disrupted global supply chains. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi attributed the maritime risks to “destabilising actions” by foreign powers, while Dr Jaishankar reiterated India’s firm stance on maintaining sovereignty and international law.
Background records show that India has been issuing travel advisories since early January 2026, urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran. With nearly one crore Indians living and working across the Gulf region, the stakes are not merely economic but deeply human. The MEA has deplored the targeting of commercial shipping, noting that the “intensity and lethality of the attacks” pose an unacceptable risk to global trade and innocent lives.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that no geopolitical objective can ever justify the loss of innocent lives or the endangerment of workers who keep the global economy moving. Shipping lanes should be corridors of commerce and connection, not theatres of war.
We appreciate the Indian government’s proactive diplomatic engagement to ensure the safety of our seafarers and students, as dialogue remains the only sustainable path to de-escalation. In a world increasingly divided by conflict, we must advocate for a return to harmony and the prioritisation of human safety over military posturing. Peace is not just the absence of war; it is the presence of security and dignity for every individual.
How can the international community better protect civilian maritime workers caught in the crossfire of regional conflicts? Would you like me to draft a letter to the MEA regarding the safety of Indian students still in the region?
Also Read: India Joins 130+ Nations To Back UNSC Resolution Condemning Iran’s ‘Egregious’ Attacks On GCC, Jordan
#WATCH | Delhi | MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "Our External Affairs Minister has been talking with his Iranian counterpart and three conversations have happened in the recent few days. As far as the impact of the war, it is there for everybody to see what's happening… pic.twitter.com/B8WdA8KZS2
— ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2026
