Jaishankar holds fourth phone call with Iranian counterpart in two weeks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a fresh phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi , marking their fourth interaction in two weeks since the escalation of the West Asia crisis .

The latest call took place on Thursday night as New Delhi stepped up diplomatic efforts to ensure safe passage for over two dozen Indian-flagged merchant vessels currently stationed on either side of the Strait of Hormuz , a critical global shipping route.

Jaishankar and Araghchi first spoke on February 28 soon after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran , an operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered a sharp escalation in regional tensions. The two ministers subsequently held conversations on March 5 and March 10 before their latest exchange.

“Had another conversation with Iranian FM @araghchi yesterday night. Discussed bilateral matters as also BRICS-related issues ,” Jaishankar said in a post on social media.

India’s diplomatic engagement comes amid growing concern over the situation in the Strait of Hormuz , which Iran has partially blocked following its confrontation with the United States and Israel . The narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman handles nearly 20 per cent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas trade , making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets.

Global oil and gas prices have surged after the latest escalation, while several commercial vessels have been forced to wait outside the strait amid heightened security risks.

According to an Iranian readout of the call, Araghchi briefed Jaishankar on the evolving situation following what Tehran described as “aggressions and crimes” committed by the United States and Israel against Iran, and their consequences for regional and global security.

The Iranian foreign minister reiterated Tehran’s determination to exercise what he called its “legitimate right to self-defence” and urged international and regional organisations to condemn the military action.

Araghchi also highlighted the importance of the BRICS grouping in the current circumstances, saying the bloc could play a constructive role in promoting stability and security in the region.

At an inter-ministerial media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has conveyed to all sides the need to pursue diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the crisis at the earliest.

He added that New Delhi is also engaging with other BRICS member states in an effort to build a broader consensus on addressing the situation and ensuring stability in the region.