India on Friday said it is closely following developments in West Asia in the wake of a two-week ceasefire between the United States/Israel and Iran and said some of the key ministers are visiting Gulf nations at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the country’s energy security.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (photo:IANS)
India on Friday said it is closely following developments in West Asia in the wake of a two-week ceasefire between the United States/Israel and Iran and said some of the key ministers are visiting Gulf nations at the direction of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strengthen the country’s energy security.
At an inter-ministerial media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is currently visiting Mauritius, from where he will be travelling to the UAE on 11-12 April. He will hold discussions with leaders in the UAE to foster stronger India-UAE ties.
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The spokesperson said Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri is currently in Qatar, which is an important supplier of energy to India. Qatar, he said, has expressed commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier and looks forward to continuing and strengthening energy relations and cooperation with India.
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The spokesperson said, ‘’Even as we work to strengthen our energy security, we are also providing support to our neighbouring countries as per their request to meet their energy needs.’’
India, he said, supplied 38 metric tonnes of petroleum products to Sri Lanka two weeks ago. ‘’We are finalising a government-to-government agreement for the supply of oil and gas, which will play an important role in reinforcing the energy security of Mauritius,’’ he added.
Meanwhile, reports from Doha said Petroleum Minister Puri met Qatar’s Minister of State for Energy Affairs and President and CEO of Qatar Energy, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi.
He conveyed greetings and a message of solidarity and support on behalf of PM Modi to the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as well as to the PM and Foreign Minister of the country, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
Both ministers discussed all aspects of the strategic relationship between the two countries, including high-level engagements, trade, investment, energy, culture, and people-to-people ties.
They expressed hope for an early return of peace and stability in the region and further strengthening of bilateral relations between India and Qatar.
Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi reaffirmed Qatar’s commitment to remain a reliable energy supplier and expressed his willingness to continue and strengthen energy cooperation with India.
“Both ministers also welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed on April 8 and stressed the importance of an early end to disruptions in global energy supplies and restoration of normalcy. In this context, they emphasised the need for unimpeded freedom of navigation and the global flow of commerce to maintain supply chains,” the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry said.
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