India urges dialogue as US strike on Iran heightens West Asia crisis

India urged all parties in the West Asia conflict to return to dialogue on Tuesday, hours after the United States struck Iran's Qeshm Island, saying the fighting is crippling global energy, food, fertilizer and financial flows. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told a regular briefing that the war has taken a very heavy toll, noting the death of 23 Indian nationals, including 15 seafarers. He added that more than 10 million Indians live in the region and about 18,000 Indian seafarers work on merchant vessels there, heightening New Delhi's concerns. Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring developments and called for the immediate cessation of hostilities so peace and stability can return. He referred to the recent killing of an Indian seafarer aboard the dhow MSV Al Jusufi, which was hit by a projectile off Oman, and reminded that 14 Indian crew were aboard, with 13 rescued by Oman's Coast Guard. The ministry emphasized that freedom of navigation in international waterways must be guaranteed. India’s stance reflects a delicate balancing act between its growing economic and energy ties with West Asian states, its strategic relationship with Israel, and historic links with Iran. The ministry repeated its appeal for dialogue and diplomacy to restore normalcy across the region.

Context

The conflict in West Asia has repeatedly disrupted oil shipments from the Gulf and fertilizer exports from the region, causing price spikes worldwide. India's large diaspora and maritime workforce make it especially vulnerable to any escalation that threatens sea lanes across the region.