Jaishankar Engages Gulf and Iranian Counterparts Amid West Asia Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Passage

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has engaged in diplomatic talks with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and other countries amid escalating tensions in West Asia, focusing on the conflict's regional developments and India's energy security. India, chairing the BRICS group, seeks a consensus on the crisis involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance. Jaishankar highlighted ongoing direct talks with Iran that have facilitated the safe passage of Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing there is no blanket arrangement and each ship's transit is handled individually. These diplomatic efforts aim to maintain energy supplies and regional stability amid rising global oil prices and security concerns.