Desk: Amid rising tensions between Iran and the US-Israel axis, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held extensive discussions with the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on the evolving situation in West Asia. In phone calls on Saturday night, Jaishankar exchanged views with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan on regional developments.
Jaishankar shared on social media on Sunday that he also discussed the ongoing West Asian conflict with the Saudi foreign minister. Regarding the conversation with the UAE minister, Jaishankar said there was an exchange of views on various aspects of the regional situation. It is understood that India’s energy security and oil supply concerns were also part of these discussions.
Following the near-blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, global oil and gas prices surged. Nearly 20% of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) passes through this waterway.
Meanwhile, despite a recent attack on the Fujairah oil terminal in the UAE, an Indian-flagged crude oil tanker has safely set sail for India. The vessel, named Jag Ladki, carrying approximately 80,800 tonnes of Murban crude oil, departed Fujairah at 10:30 AM IST. All crew members are reported safe. The Indian government stated that it is closely monitoring the situation in West Asia to ensure stable fuel supplies and maritime security.