External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke over the phone and held discussions on the situation in West Asia and its global economic implications, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Tuesday.
Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital, Jaiswal said, “The External Affairs Minister yesterday spoke with the US Secretary of State. The two leaders discussed the situation in West Asia and its impact on the international economy, with particular focus on energy security concerns.”
In a post on X, Jaishankar on Monday said, “Had a detailed telecon this evening with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Our discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy. We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch.”
These high-level discussions came amid growing concerns over the conflict’s impact on India’s food, fuel, and fertiliser security. The diplomatic outreach follows a recent session of the Cabinet Committee on Security, which outlined measures to protect India’s immediate and long-term supply chains for essential commodities following the military shocks in the region.
In another move to strengthen ties with key energy and diaspora partners, the External Affairs Minister engaged with the diplomatic corps of the Gulf nations in the national capital.
The spokesperson stated, “The External Affairs Minister met with all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) ambassadors here in Delhi yesterday. There again, he exchanged views on the ongoing conflict in West Asia and thanked each one of them for their continued support to the Indian community in the region.”
The meeting, which included the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and Qatar, highlighted New Delhi’s commitment to the well-being of approximately 10 million Indians residing in West Asian nations. Following the meeting, Jaishankar stated that he and the envoys had “exchanged views on the conflict in West Asia,” while he personally “thanked them for their continued support to the Indian community in the region.”
Expanding New Delhi’s efforts to coordinate with maritime neighbours, the spokesperson noted that the discussions extended to the immediate region.
“EAM also spoke with his counterpart, Vijitha Herath, the Foreign Minister of Sri Lanka. Both leaders discussed the repercussions of this ongoing conflict. External Affairs Minister reaffirmed India’s commitment to Neighbourhood First and Mission MAHASAGAR,” Jaiswal added.
The outreach to Colombo is particularly significant as several neighbouring nations have reportedly sought additional fuel supplies from India to manage energy shortages resulting from the crisis. The Minister confirmed on social media that he “discussed the repercussions of the West Asia conflict,” while reaffirming that “India stands committed to Neighbourhood First and Vision MAHASAGAR.”