Jaishankar urges Iran to avoid attacks on commercial shipping in call with FM Araghchi

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi on Friday, conveying India's deep concern over the escalating regional hostilities and their impact on commercial shipping. The call comes as maritime risks persist in critical waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz and the Black Sea.

India's message to Tehran

During the conversation, Jaishankar stressed that attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers are unacceptable, urging Iran to exercise restraint. The minister reiterated India's consistent position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to de-escalation.

According to official statements, Jaishankar condemned all attacks on ships and sailors, underlining the need to protect international trade routes. The call reflects India's growing unease over the spillover effects of regional conflicts on global shipping lanes.

Strait of Hormuz in focus

The Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint for nearly a fifth of global oil supplies, has seen heightened tensions in recent weeks. Any disruption there directly impacts energy prices and supply chains, with India among the most vulnerable nations given its reliance on Gulf crude.

India has historically maintained a delicate balance in its ties with both Iran and the Gulf Arab states. New Delhi has repeatedly called for restraint from all parties, even as it deepens strategic partnerships across West Asia.

Broader maritime risks

The Black Sea, another flashpoint, has also witnessed incidents affecting commercial traffic. While the call focused primarily on Iran, the reference to the Black Sea indicates a broader Indian concern over the weaponisation of maritime routes.

Jaishankar's outreach to Araghchi is part of a wider diplomatic push by India to engage with key regional players. The external affairs ministry has not yet released a detailed readout, but the tone suggests a firm yet constructive exchange.

India's diplomatic balancing act

India's position remains consistent: it supports dialogue, opposes violence, and wants stability in the region. The government has avoided taking sides, instead urging all parties to return to the negotiating table.

This latest call underscores how deeply intertwined India's economic and security interests are with the region's stability. With lakhs of Indian nationals working in Gulf countries and a significant share of trade passing through these waters, the stakes are substantial.

Observers note that India's ability to speak directly to both Iran and its adversaries gives it a unique role in regional diplomacy. However, the effectiveness of such calls in altering ground realities remains to be seen.

What to watch

As tensions persist, the focus will be on whether Iran heeds India's appeal and whether similar outreach follows with other regional capitals. New Delhi's next steps in multilateral forums, including the UN, will also be closely watched.