India reaffirms commitment to safe & unimpeded maritime transit

In the backdrop of the ongoing West Asia conflict and its global ramifications, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Wednesday underlined India's strong commitment to "safe and unimpeded" transit passage of maritime shipping, even as he emphasised that attacks on merchant shipping are "completely unacceptable". The EAM said this in his remarks while participating in 'AZEC Plus' online meeting convened by Japan to discuss supply chain disruptions in the energy markets, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi. At an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation on Wednesday, Jaiswal also said that India's diplomatic engagement in the context of the West Asia conflict continues, as he shared broader contours of the telephonic conversation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday.
"Global growth demands that energy markets are not constricted. As a major energy consumer, India will work with like-minded partners to develop supply chain resilience," Jaiswal quoted the minister as saying in his remarks delivered during the meeting. According to the website of Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on April 15 held an online meeting, which was attended by leaders of the Asian region, including partners of the Asia Zero-Emission Community (AZEC).
Jaiswal, in response to questions, reiterated India's stand on the West Asia conflict, underlining that de-escalation, dialogue and diplomacy are essential to bring an early end to the conflict. Global oil and gas prices surged after Iran restricted the transit of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles roughly 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas). West Asia has been a major source of India's energy procurement.
Additional Secretary (Gulf), MEA, Aseem R Mahajan said the ministry is continuously monitoring developments in the Gulf and West Asia. Flights continue to operate to India from countries in the region, where the airspace is open. Since February 28, around 9.84 lakh passengers have travelled from the region to India, he said. Mahajan said the MEA is according high priority to the welfare of Indian seafarers in the region and Indian missions are extending all possible assistance to them.