NEW DELHI, July 8(HS) : India on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the latest escalation of tensions in West Asia following fresh attacks on commercial vessels transiting international waterways in the region. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate the situation and return to dialogue and diplomacy to prevent further deterioration of regional security.

In an official statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry said the recent attacks and the subsequent escalation pose a serious threat to peace, security and stability across West Asia. It warned that the continuing hostilities could have far-reaching consequences for the region and beyond.

The Ministry emphasised that all sides should avoid actions that could further aggravate the situation and instead work towards reducing tensions through peaceful means. It also underlined the importance of ensuring the protection of civilians caught in the conflict and safeguarding international maritime trade.

India stressed that the uninterrupted movement of energy supplies and commercial shipping through international waterways remains critical for global economic stability. The government called upon all concerned parties to ensure the free and secure flow of maritime commerce while preventing any disruption to international trade routes.

Reiterating its longstanding position, India urged all stakeholders to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful, durable and negotiated resolution to the conflict. The Ministry reaffirmed that constructive engagement and diplomatic efforts remain the most effective means of addressing the evolving security challenges in the region.

The statement comes amid heightened instability in West Asia following renewed attacks on commercial shipping and the subsequent rise in military tensions, developments that have raised concerns across the international community over regional security, global energy supplies and the safety of critical maritime trade routes.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar