New Delhi: Two days after killing of a top Iranian commander by a US military drone in Iraq, Indian foreign minister S. Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart, Javed Zarif and US secretary of State Mike Pompeo, expressing deep concern about the tension in the region.
On January 3, Qassem Soleimani, head of Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps’ Quds Force, was killed in a drone strike that targeted his convoy when it was leaving Baghdad international airport. The US claimed responsibility, with the Pentagon asserting that the strike “was aimed at deterring future Iranian attack plans”.
Sunday was the first time that the leadership of the two main protagonists of the ongoing tensions in West Asia have spoken to the Indian government.
Jaishankar tweeted on Sunday evening that he had a conversation with Zarif. “Noted that developments have taken a very serious turn. India remains deeply concerned about the levels of tension. We agreed to remain in touch,” he posted.
Over two hours later, Jaishankar tweeted that he also spoke with US Secretary of State and highlighted “India’s stakes and concerns”. Pompeo has earlier talked to Pakistan army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa on the first day itself.
In Washington, state department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus issued a very short read-out of the conversation that both leaders discussed “Iran’s continued provocations and threats to the region”. The language from the state department press note seemed to imply that India and US have expressed views on Iran’s “provocations”, that is, both believe that Tehran is the main antagonist.
The Indian statement acknowledged Soleimani as a “senior Iranian leader”, but it only “noted” his killing, but did not outrightly condemn US actions.
Also read: After US Kills Iranian Commander and Iran Vows Revenge, India Calls for Restraint
Further, the MEA press note said, “The increase in tension has alarmed the world. Peace, stability and security in this region is of utmost importance to India. It is vital that the situation does not escalate further. India has consistently advocated restraint and continues to do so.”
Officials sources said that the Jaishankar’s phone calls on Sunday was part of of India’s engagement with “all important stakeholders on the prevailing situation given our deep interest in the stability and security of the region”.
Besides Iran and US, the Indian foreign minister also spoke to his counterparts from United Arab Emirates and Oman on Sunday.
Jaishankar had met with Zarif last month when he visited Tehran to co-chair the Joint Commission meeting. He had also met Zarif again when both of them were in Oman at the same time.
The Iranian foreign minister is also scheduled to attend the Raisina Dialogue in Delhi in two weeks.
India has a large diaspora in West Asia, who would be directly impacted by rising tensions in the region. India’s energy security is also directly linked to the Gulf. While India has cut down import of Iranian crude due to US sanctions, Iran’s Chabahar port remains a cornerstone of Indian connectivity aspirations in Afghanistan and Central Asia.
A statement issued by the Iranian Embassy in New Delhi said that it shall take “appropriate retaliatory action in the suitable time and place”.
The press release from the embassy said that to ensure global peace and stability, “All the governments of the region and the world are expected to condemn this terrorist act at the strongest possible terms”.
The embassy also expressed gratitude to “all individuals, groups, elites, media outlets, organisations and foreign missions in India” who have expressed sympathy and “this terrorist act in different ways and means including sending condolence messages, publication of reports and articles, as well as organisation of functions and rallies in various parts of India”.