Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday discussed the West Asia conflict and its impact on global energy supply with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. The Foreign Minister also spoke on phone to UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Jaishankar's phone conversation with the Prime Minister of Qatar and the Foreign Minister of the United Arab Emirates took place at a time when tension in West Asia has increased further after US President Donald Trump's recent warning to Iran.
Trump has warned that if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened to navigation, Iran's power plants and bridges will be destroyed. Jaishankar said on social media that he had a telephone conversation with Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Thani regarding the ongoing conflict.
After talking to Al Nahyan, Jaishankar said without sharing further details that the changing situation in West Asia was discussed with him. He said he discussed the changing situation in West Asia with UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Al Nahyan.
Oil and gas prices have risen globally after Iran blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow sea route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. West Asia has been a major source of India's energy purchases.
Iran has allowed ships of its friendly countries including India to pass through this waterway. India has made diplomatic efforts in the last few weeks focused on quickly ending the conflict in West Asia and ensuring uninterrupted supply of energy through the Strait of Hormuz. India believes that if the blockade of this sea route continues, the fuel and fertilizer security of many countries including India could be seriously affected.
