New Delhi, March 24
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio about the conflict in West Asia and its impact on the global economy, with energy security emerging as a key concern. The call came hours after US President Donald Trump said Washington was extending by five days its deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil and gas supplies. In a post on social media, Jaishankar said he had a “detailed conversation” with Rubio on the fallout of the conflict.
“Our discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy. We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch,” he said.
In Washington, the US State Department said Rubio and Jaishankar discussed the current situation in the Middle East and agreed on the need to continue working together on shared priorities.
“Secretary Rubio spoke today with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar,” Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott said in a readout of the call.
“The two officials discussed the current situation in the Middle East. The Secretary and Minister agreed on the importance of continuing to work together to advance mutual priorities,” he added.
In a related development, Jaishankar also met ambassadors of the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries — Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait — to discuss the regional conflict.
After the meeting, he said the discussions focused on developments in West Asia and thanked the GCC nations for their continued support to the Indian community living in the region.
Sources said India’s concerns over energy security, amid the escalating crisis, were also raised during the talks.
The conflict has heightened fears over global energy supplies after Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime corridor that handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. West Asia remains a major source of India’s energy imports.
Jaishankar also held separate conversations with Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, saying the discussions centred on the wider repercussions of the conflict.
On social media, Jaishankar said India remained committed to its Neighbourhood First policy and Vision MAHASAGAR.
Earlier, Trump said there had been “productive conversations” between the US and Iran towards a “complete and total resolution” of the crisis, adding that planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities would be delayed for five days.
