India Urges Iran to Avoid Attacks on Commercial Vessels Amid Rising Tensions
India's Strong Appeal to Iran
(File Photo) New Delhi, July 31 – On Friday, India firmly urged Iran to refrain from any attacks on commercial ships and their crews. During a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Araghchi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressed India's condemnation of such attacks from any party. In a social media post, Jaishankar conveyed his deep concerns regarding the ongoing conflict in the region during his discussion with Araghchi.
He emphasized the necessity of avoiding attacks on commercial vessels and sailors under any circumstances. Jaishankar reiterated, "India condemns any such attacks from any side." He mentioned that Araghchi briefed him on Iran's perspective regarding the current developments and ongoing negotiations. Jaishankar stated, "India consistently supports dialogue and diplomacy."
This conversation between the two foreign ministers occurred amidst escalating tensions between Iran and the United States. India has consistently expressed serious concerns regarding attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
Casualties Among Indian Nationals
On Thursday, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan informed the Rajya Sabha that since February, 16 Indian nationals, including 10 sailors, have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with 75 others injured. In a written response to a question, Muraleedharan stated, "Since the conflict began in 2026, 16 Indian citizens have died, including 10 sailors. Among them, one was killed in Saudi Arabia, two in Kuwait, eight in Oman, one in Iraq, and four in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)."
Additionally, 75 Indians have been injured, with 32 in the UAE, 24 in Oman, four in Qatar, 13 in Kuwait, one in Saudi Arabia, and one in Israel. In response to another question, Muraleedharan referenced an incident in June involving an explosion and fire at an energy complex, stating, "Apart from these attacks, 12 Indian nationals lost their lives in an accident at the Ras Laffan gas facility in Qatar."