New Delhi, 14 October (H.S.):

National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval raised the issue of the safety of Indian seafarers and tankers during a conversation with Dr Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, on October 12, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on Wednesday.

The two officials discussed bilateral issues, the regional situation and international developments. During the conversation, the safety of Indian seafarers and Indian-flagged tankers was also raised, Jaiswal said.

The discussion took place a day after two merchant tankers carrying Indian crew members, MT Petro Dolphin and MT Valthera, were reportedly targeted in drone and missile attacks in the Strait of Hormuz. Two Indian seafarers went missing following the incident.

## India Declines to Comment on US-Russia Diesel Deal

Meanwhile, India declined to comment on a reported commercial diesel supply agreement between the United States and Russia, reiterating its position in favour of stability in global energy markets.

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “As far as the diesel deal is concerned, we would not like to comment on commercial agreements between the two countries, except to say that we have always advocated stability in global energy markets.”

According to the reported agreement between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, Russia will immediately supply 300,000 tonnes of diesel to the United States, along with millions of tonnes of additional diesel.

In return, the United States has temporarily eased certain sanctions to help bring down elevated fuel prices.

India’s response underscored its stated preference for stability in global energy markets while avoiding direct comment on the commercial arrangements between Washington and Moscow.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar