EAM Jaishankar holds key talks with Israel FM as West Asia tensions surge; Iran nuclear issue, Hormuz and Lebanon discussed

Amid rising instability across West Asia, India and Israel held a crucial high-level conversation on Tuesday, underlining growing diplomatic coordination as fears of a wider regional escalation mount. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar spoke over the phone, discussing key flashpoints including Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and the situation in Lebanon.

Following the call, Jaishankar, in a brief statement, said the discussion broadly covered various aspects of the evolving West Asia situation.

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Sa’ar posted on X and shared details of the conversation. He said the talks covered critical regional developments, with particular emphasis on Iran’s nuclear programme. He stressed that a firm American position in ongoing negotiations is essential to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, including conditions such as banning enrichment within Iran and removing enriched material.

According to him, these steps are vital not just for regional stability but for global security.

Strait of Hormuz and global trade risks

The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global energy corridor, featured prominently in the talks. Sa’ar accused Iran of undermining freedom of navigation through “economic terrorism,” warning that such actions threaten international trade and the global economy.

He called for measures to ensure uninterrupted maritime movement for all countries, including India and Gulf nations, highlighting the strategic importance of the route for energy supplies.

A good conversation, as always, with my friend, India’s Minister of External Affairs @DrSJaishankar. We discussed Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon.

I said that the firm American stance in the negotiations on conditions that would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear… pic.twitter.com/miTi4YlXYE

— Gideon Sa’ar | גדעון סער (@gidonsaar) April 14, 2026

Lebanon violence concerns

The conversation comes days after India expressed deep concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon amid continued Israeli strikes, despite a ceasefire aimed at ending weeks of conflict.

At a media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the situation “very disturbing,” stressing that the protection of civilians remains a top priority for India.

He also noted that around 1,000 Indian nationals are currently residing in Lebanon, adding to New Delhi’s concerns over the deteriorating security situation.

India has consistently called for de-escalation and dialogue in West Asia, balancing its strategic ties with both Israel and key Gulf nations. As tensions continue to rise, the latest diplomatic engagement signals India’s active role in monitoring developments and safeguarding its interests in the region.