West Asia conflict: EAM Jaishankar holds telephonic conversation with Iranian counterpart, discusses bilateral matters and BRICS

Indiarsquos External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held another telephonic conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi during which the two leaders discussed bilateral cooperation and matters related to the BRICS groupingIn a post on social media platform X Jaishankar confirmed the conversation and said the discussions covered both bilateral and multilateral issuesldquoHad another conversation with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi yesterday night Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICSrelated issuesrdquo Jaishankar wroteFourth conversation amid escalating West Asia conflictThe latest interaction marked the fourth conversation between the two ministers since tensions escalated in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran the United States and IsraelOfficials said the discussions form part of Indiarsquos ongoing diplomatic outreach aimed at monitoring developments in the region and ensuring stability in critical areas such as maritime trade and energy suppliesEarlier conversations between the two leaders had focused on issues related to the safety of international shipping routes and Indiarsquos energy securityIndia monitoring safety of shipping routesAccording to the Ministry of External Affairs the talks between Jaishankar and Araghchi included discussions on ensuring the safe movement of vessels through strategic sea routes in the regionMEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the ministers had spoken multiple times in recent days to review developmentsldquoEAM and the foreign minister of Iran have had three conversations in the last few days The last one discussed issues pertaining to safety of shipping and Indiarsquos energy security Beyond that it would be premature for me to say anythingrdquo Jaiswal said during a media briefingIsraeli air strikes reported in several Iranian citiesMeanwhile the Israeli Air Force said it carried out multiple waves of strikes targeting Iranian infrastructureAccording to Israeli authorities the strikes were conducted in cities including Tehran Shiraz and AhvazThe Israeli military said the operations targeted sites associated with missile production air defence systems and other military infrastructure It also claimed that underground facilities used for the storage and production of ballistic missiles were struck during the operationsRegional tensions rise as conflict continuesThe conflict in West Asia intensified following joint military operations by the United States and Israel that reportedly resulted in the killing of Iranrsquos former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on February 28In response Iran has targeted US and Israelilinked assets in several Gulf countries raising concerns about disruptions to maritime trade and global energy suppliesThe ongoing hostilities have also increased fears that Iran could close or restrict passage through the Strait of Hormuz a vital route for global oil and gas shipmentsAs the conflict enters its 14th day exchanges of strikes and threats between the involved parties continue with governments around the world closely monitoring developments and calling for diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalationWith inputs from Agencies