xternal Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar engaged in a phone conversation with Kaja Kallas, the Vice-President of the European Commission, to address the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf region. Jaishankar shared details of the discussion on social media, noting: “Had a telecon with EU HRVP @kajakallas. Our discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf.”

Recent Developments in Iran

This discussion follows coordinated airstrikes conducted by the United States and Israel on February 28, targeting military command centers, air-defense systems, and other critical infrastructure across several Iranian cities. These strikes resulted in the deaths of key figures, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, along with four senior military and security officials. Significant explosions were reported in major cities such as Tehran, escalating the situation significantly.

Iran’s Retaliatory Actions

In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles and drones at U.S. assets and allied nations in the region, which include Israel, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan. This escalation has increased tensions and posed further risks to civilians and expatriates in the area.

Jaishankar’s Diplomatic Engagements

Earlier on March 1, Jaishankar communicated with Foreign Ministers from several Gulf nations, expressing the urgency of de-escalation through dialogue. He conveyed India’s concern regarding the situation and emphasized the nation’s commitment to both regional stability and the safety of Indian nationals residing in these countries.

Conversations with Gulf Leaders

During these interactions, Jaishankar spoke with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, discussing the security situation in the Gulf region. He reiterated India’s keen interest in maintaining peace and stability, along with ensuring the welfare of the Indian community.

In his discussions with Kuwait’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Jaishankar sought updates on the current situation in Kuwait. The Kuwaiti minister reassured him regarding the welfare of Indian nationals. Additionally, Jaishankar communicated with leaders from Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, where he received similar reassurances regarding the safety of the Indian population.

Ongoing Tensions in the Region

Jaishankar discussed the evolving landscape in the Middle East with Bahraini Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani and Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Both leaders assured him that they would take necessary measures to ensure the safety of the Indian community in their respective countries. He also conveyed similar sentiments during a conversation with UAE’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.

Impact on Civilians and Aviation

As tensions have escalated in the region, thousands of citizens find themselves caught in significant disruptions, particularly involving air travel. The conflict marks its fourth day following the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have led to Iran’s counteractions targeting both American military bases and Israeli assets in the area.

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