'Matter Of Grave Concern': EAM Jaishankar Meets Iranian Leaders; Flags 'Cargo Ship Attacks' In Indian Ocean

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday conveyed India's concerns about the increasing pirate and militia attacks on the cargo ships in the Indian Ocean, while addressing a joint statement with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amirabdollahian in Tehran.

"As you are all aware, there has also been recently a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean. The minister also referred to it. We have even seen some attacks in the vicinity of India. This is a matter of grave concern to the international community. It also has a direct bearing on India's energy and economic interests. This situation is not to the benefit of any party, and this must be recognized," said EAM Dr S Jaishankar.

#WATCH | At the joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart in Tehran, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "As you are all aware, there have also been recently a perceptible increase in threats to the safety of maritime commercial traffic in this important part of the Indian Ocean.… pic.twitter.com/wY6tJKuN2h

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024

Earlier, he met the country's foreign minister and both leaders engaged in discussions over the strategically significant Chabahar port and the North-South connectivity project. EAM also called on Iranian president Dr Ebrahim Raisi and conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the leader.

"Held wide-ranging discussions today in Tehran with Iranian FM @Amirabdolahian. Our bilateral discussion focused on the long-term framework for India's involvement with Chabahar port and the INSTC connectivity project," Jaishankar said in a post on X.

Speaking on the issue of the hostile situation in Gaza, the Minister reiterated India's long-standing support for the two-state solution for the Palestine and Israel situation.

EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "On the issue of Palestine, let me reiterate India's long-standing support for a two-state solution where the Palestinian people can live freely in an independent country within secure borders. I stressed the need for all parties to avoid provocative and escalatory actions and to facilitate movement towards dialogue and diplomacy."

#WATCH | Tehran, Iran: EAM Dr S Jaishankar says, "On the issue of Palestine, let me reiterate India's long-standing support for a two-state solution where the Palestinian people are able to live freely in an independent country within secure borders. I stressed on the need for… pic.twitter.com/KBfpPHXCZX

— ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2024

India has been closely watching the developing situation in the Indian Ocean and Red Sea. The matter was talked about during a phone call between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday.