New Delhi, 27 March (H.S.):
The Ministry of External Affairs announced Friday that four vessels laden with domestic LPG have safely transited the Strait of Hormuz and reached Indian shores.
Efforts are underway to escort the remaining 20 ships through the vital waterway, with ongoing diplomatic engagements across relevant nations to guarantee their unhindered passage.
Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, addressing a media briefing, outlined a comprehensive strategy to safeguard the nation's energy demands for its 1.4 billion citizens. We remain vigilant over market dynamics and the international landscape, he affirmed.
Jaiswal clarified there are no plans to evacuate Indian nationals from Gulf countries, as air travel in the region persists without disruption. Indian missions there continue disseminating flight updates.
He stressed India's commitment to unfettered navigation in the international Strait of Hormuz.
On queries regarding prospective economic aid from the Iranian embassy in New Delhi, the spokesperson noted no curbs apply to foreign missions. We shall scrutinise the utilisation of any such funds, he added.
Commenting on Pakistan's use of derogatory language towards Shia leaders during talks, Jaiswal observed that the mistreatment of minorities, including Shias, in the neighbouring state is widely recognised.
Regarding BRICS' potential mediation role, he pointed to involvement of two members – Iran and the UAE – as complicating consensus. India, hosting this year's BRICS summit in the coming months, faces added complexities.
Jaiswal endorsed Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's March 25 Genocide Day address, recalling the Pakistani army's 1971 Operation Searchlight atrocities that systematically slaughtered lakhs of civilians and perpetrated sexual violence against women. Millions fled to India, galvanising global outrage, yet Pakistan persists in denial. India stands firmly behind Bangladesh's quest for justice, he declared.
He noted Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla's attendance at the new government's inauguration, through whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed congratulations to Rahman alongside pledges to deepen bilateral ties. India seeks to fortify its multifaceted partnership with Dhaka.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, currently in Paris for the G7 foreign ministers' conclave, has held discussions with counterparts from France, Germany, South Korea, Japan, and Brazil. A possible meeting with his US counterpart remains on the cards.
In his remarks, Jaishankar advocated UN Security Council reforms for global governance, agile peacekeeping and humanitarian aid delivery, and collaborative steps to mitigate food, fuel, and fertiliser shortages rippling worldwide from the West Asia war.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
