India continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia, with the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community remaining its highest priority, the MEA said.
Photo: IANS
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Friday asserted that there is no need to evacuate Indians from West Asia, as hundreds of flights are operating daily between the Gulf region and India despite ongoing regional tensions.
India continues to closely monitor developments in the Gulf and West Asia, with the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community remaining its highest priority, the MEA said.
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Addressing the weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “There is no reason for any evacuation, as hundreds of flights are operating every day between the Gulf and India.”
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On the death of an Indian national due to falling debris in Abu Dhabi, Jaiswal said, “Our mission is working to repatriate the mortal remains at the earliest, hopefully soon.”
Meanwhile, at an inter-ministerial briefing in the national capital on the situation arising out of the conflict in West Asia, the MEA informed that around 4,75,000 passengers have returned to India from the region since February 28 amid ongoing tensions.
The MEA spokesperson also said that India is in touch with all concerned countries to ensure the safe transit of its ships to meet energy requirements.
Jaiswal informed that four ships carrying LPG have arrived in India after safely crossing the Strait of Hormuz.
He added that India’s energy sourcing is guided by the need to secure supplies for 1.4 billion people, market dynamics, and the evolving global situation.
“We have kept you informed about the Indian ships that have so far crossed the Strait of Hormuz. Four ships carrying LPG have arrived in India after crossing the Strait safely. We continue to remain in touch with all concerned countries to ensure the safe transit of our ships to meet our energy requirements,” Jaiswal said.
“You are well aware of our broad approach to sourcing energy. It is based on the imperative to secure the needs of 1.4 billion people, market dynamics, and the global situation. These three factors are vital for our decision-making,” he added.
Responding to another query, Jaiswal said that the External Affairs Minister held several bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in France.
“Our External Affairs Minister is in Paris for the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. He has already held meetings with several counterparts, including those from France, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil. These engagements are ongoing, as today is also a working day. He spoke at two sessions,” he said.
“One session focused on global governance, where he highlighted the need for Security Council reforms, streamlining peacekeeping operations, and strengthening humanitarian supply chains. He also conveyed the concerns of these countries regarding food, fuel, and fertilizer. We are all witnessing the impact that the conflict is having on these issues worldwide,” Jaiswal added.
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