India has expressed great concern about the growing tensions in West Asia and has called on all parties to be more careful and to use dialogue and diplomacy to avoid any further deterioration of security.
As the region is experiencing more and more military activity and increasing geopolitical uncertainties, New Delhi noted that continued combat poses a threat not only to regional peace and stability but also to global trade and economic interests.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated India’s longstanding position that disputes should be resolved in peaceful and constructive diplomacy. “De-escalation is the best way to restore stability in the region that is of crucial strategic value to global energy supplies, maritime trade and international security,” the government said.
The latest appeal comes amid increasing concerns about military exchanges and growing instability in several parts of West Asia. The conflict has raised fears of a larger regional conflict that could disrupt vital shipping routes and affect international commerce. The Strait of Hormuz, which is one of the world’s busiest maritime routes for crude oil and liquefied natural gas exports, is still the focus of global attention as tensions escalate.
India is a country with a long history of peaceful coexistence and dialogue with West Asia with relations which are still in many countries. West Asia is home to millions of Indian expatriates and the welfare of these expats is a priority for the government. In addition, West Asia accounts for a substantial share of India's crude oil imports and hence regional stability is fundamental to the country's energy security.
The MEA said India is closely monitoring the developments and it is in close communication with regional partners through diplomatic channels. New Delhi supported all efforts to resolve tension and to facilitate negotiations between the parties concerned, they said.
With West Asia a place of perpetual instability, experts believe that long-term instability in West Asia’s problems can have far-reaching implications far beyond the immediate conflict zone. Any disruption to maritime trade routes may also impact global supply chains, shipping costs and will cause international energy prices to rise and fall. In many countries, especially India, such developments could also impact inflation and economic growth.
More than monetary consequences of the crisis, security experts have also pointed out the humanitarian aspect of the crisis. If violence spreads and levels of violence persist, there will be civilian casualties, displacement and damage to critical infrastructure.
Nations have repeatedly called on international organizations to act with caution and respect for international humanitarian law to protect civilians.
India has historically taken a balanced foreign policy in West Asia: having good relations with many countries in West Asia but maintaining strategic autonomy. It has been for this reason that in terms of energy, trade, investment, technology, defense and people-to-people relations, India has been able to interact with various parties and promote regional peace and development.
The government also expressed the commitment to the protection of Indian citizens in the region. Authorities still monitor the situation and will intervene if necessary to help Indian citizens in case of any need. The Indian missions in other West Asian countries are in constant communication with the Indian community and issuing periodic advisories.
The international community has also intensified diplomatic efforts to stop that from getting worse. World leaders and multilateral organizations have warned of the danger of a long-term war as long as it goes on and the region can be unstable.
While it is crucial to maintain freedom of navigation in international waters and maintain international trade, experts believe that it is important for global commerce to continue to be uninterrupted in international waters.
A prolonged disruption of key maritime corridors could cause large-scale disruption in these major maritime arteries of trade in financial markets, oil prices and international commerce.
India’s new statement is in line with what it has long believed - diplomacy, dialogue and mutual respect are the most effective tools for settling international disputes. New Delhi has also demonstrated that it is ready to be part of a rules-based international order and to be a part of regional and global peace.
India will continue to be in touch with its international partners and monitor developments in terms of regional security, economic interests and the safety of its citizens to maintain its relations with them as tension continues to grow.
The government says they will keep at it and work under the influence of allies to restore peace and prevent further escalation in West Asia.
