India warns of energy supply risks as West Asia conflict escalates

India on Tuesday highlighted the potential impact of the widening conflict in West Asia on energy supplies and the safety of nearly one crore Indian nationals living in the region, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with the leaders of Oman, Kuwait and Qatar about the evolving situation.

In its second statement since the US-Israel strikes on Iran and Tehran’s subsequent retaliation, New Delhi again called for “dialogue and diplomacy” to end the conflict. The government said India has significant stakes in the security and stability of West Asia and that the ongoing developments “evoke great anxiety”.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India would continue to closely monitor the situation and take decisions in the national interest. It also said New Delhi is in touch with governments in the region and with other key partners.

“In recent days, we have not only witnessed an intensification of the conflict but also its spread to other nations. The destruction and deaths have mounted, even as normal life and economic activities come to a halt,” the MEA said.

“As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety.”

The ministry said nearly one crore Indian citizens live in West Asia and their safety and well-being remain a priority.

“We cannot be impervious to any development that negatively affects them,” it said.

The conflict intensified after Iran continued attacks across several Gulf countries in retaliation for the joint strike by Israel and the United States. The US and Israel have also carried out fresh strikes on Iran.

As part of its offensive, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, leading to a rise in international oil prices.

“Our trade and energy supply chains also traverse this geography. Any major disruption has serious consequences for the Indian economy,” the ministry said.

The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Around 50 per cent of India’s oil imports — roughly 2.6 million barrels per day — pass through the strait.

Iran has launched multiple attacks mainly targeting Israel and American military bases in several Gulf countries including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The Iranian retaliation intensified after Tehran announced early Sunday that its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been killed in the Israel-US strike.

“As a country whose nationals are prominent in the global workforce, India is also firmly opposed to attacks on merchant shipping. Already, some Indian nationals have lost their lives or are missing as a result of such attacks in the last few days,” the MEA said.

“In this background, India strongly reiterates its call for dialogue and diplomacy. We raise our voice clearly in favour of an early end to the conflict. Already, many lives have been regrettably lost, and we express our grief in that regard.”

It is learnt that at least three Indian nationals were killed in Iranian attacks on two merchant vessels in waters off Oman.

The MEA statement did not comment on the reported killing of Ayatollah Khamenei.

The ministry said Indian embassies and consulates in the affected countries are in close contact with Indian nationals and community organisations and are issuing regular advisories.

“They have also extended all possible help to those stranded by the conflict. The embassies and consulates will continue to be proactive in addressing various consular aspects of this conflict,” it said.

“We are in touch with the governments of this region as well as other key partners. The prime minister and external affairs minister have held discussions with their counterparts,” it added.

Following his phone conversation with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Modi said India stands “firmly” in solidarity with the Gulf nation and condemned any violation of its “sovereignty and territorial integrity”.

“We emphasised the urgent need to restore peace and stability in the region through dialogue and diplomacy. I also conveyed my appreciation for his continued support and care for the Indian community in Qatar during this challenging time,” he said.

The prime minister described his phone conversation with the Crown Prince of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Mubarak Al-Sabah, as “productive”.

“We underscored the significance of dialogue and diplomacy in restoring regional peace and stability. Appreciated the Kuwaiti leadership’s continued support to ensure the safety and well-being of the Indian community in Kuwait,” Modi said on social media.

During his phone call with Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, Modi said he “deeply appreciated” Oman’s support for the Indian community.

“Condemned the violation of Oman’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

We agreed that sustained diplomatic engagement is essential for the earliest restoration of regional peace and stability,” the prime minister said.

India had issued its first statement on February 28, hours after the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Iran.

External affairs minister S Jaishankar said he had also spoken with the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas about the situation.

“Our discussions focused on the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf,” Jaishankar said on X.

The US military has said six of its personnel have been killed in the conflict so far. According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 787 people have been killed in the US-Israeli strikes. Reports said at least 11 people were killed in Israel.

In a related development, the Indian embassy in Iran said it had relocated most Indian students from Tehran.

“Due to the heightened risk perception in Tehran city, the Embassy of India has relocated most Indian students who were in Tehran,” the mission said.

The students were moved to locations outside Tehran, with the embassy arranging transportation, food and accommodation.

(With inputs from agencies)