'India Feeling Ripple Effects of...': Vikram Misri After Indian Tankers Targeted in Hormuz

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, on Sunday, expressed India's "deep concern" to Iranian authorities after two Indian-flaggedtankers were fired upon by Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) linked gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday. Strongly condemning the incident, Misri stressed upon the need to ensure the safety of mariners and free movement in international waters, especially in the Hormuz Strait, that has become one of the biggest flashpoint amid the war in the Gulf and Middle East and used by Tehran to disrupt global energy trade."With regard to the incident related to Indian ships that came under attack yesterday, we were deeply disturbed by this, and we contacted the Iranian authorities and conveyed to them our very deep concern at this development

and for, again, to ensure respect for the safety of mariners and respect for the principle of unimpeded passage through international waterways," Misri said during a special briefing on the Vice President CP Radhakrishnan's visit to Sri Lanka.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qxd5eQEgyY0

India Feeling Ripple Effects of West Asia Conflict, Misri Stresses

The Foreign Secretary further said that India was feeling the ripple effects across multiple sectors, particularly energy and the safety of its diaspora, as he reflected upon the wider impact of the ongoing West Asia conflict."Obviously, the impact of this (West Asia) conflict is being felt by us in various spheres, in the energy availability sphere, obviously, as many other countries are feeling. We also have a very large Indian expatriate community, nearly 10 million people who live in the Gulf," he said.

#WATCH | Colombo, Sri Lanka: Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri says, "...With regard to the incident related to Indian ships that came under attack yesterday, we were deeply disturbed by this, and we contacted the Iranian authorities and conveyed to them our very deep concern at… pic.twitter.com/yjrhIvur2s

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Misri noted India's broader security concerns and repeated calls for restraint and dialogue in the region."We also are concerned by the fallout of this conflict for regional security in general and for the Gulf countries and Iran in particular," Misri said, adding, "We have said from the outset that, first of all, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries must be respected and that if there are any issues, they ought to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy."

Misri Stresses Upon De-Escalation

Reiterating India's position, he stressed the need for de-escalation and protection of civilians."We have asked for de-escalation to be prioritised, for the safety of civilians to be prioritised, civilian areas and establishments not to be targeted," he said.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ks2KDyw-X0s

Misri also underlined India's strong concern over repeated attacks on merchant shipping and mariners."Most importantly, we have called for respect for maritime shipping and mariners. Concern for their safety is paramount as far as we are concerned," he said, recalling past incidents involving Indian nationals."We were the first country to lose mariners on board merchant ships. I think four of our people on board the ships were killed. I think one is still missing. And therefore, we are extremely disturbed by the attacks that took place on merchant mariners," he added.He also reiterated India's demand for open sea lanes and uninterrupted trade routes."We have also maintained very, very clearly that international waterways must remain free and open for unimpeded passage of shipping of all kinds, whether it is energy-related trade or other kinds of commerce," the foreign secretary added.With inputs from ANI