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India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar on Thursday said that the world is witnessing an "exceptionally volatile and uncertain phase," reiterating
New Delhi's stand that this is "not an era of war". After meeting with Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova-Chamova of Bulgaria, EAM Dr S Jaishankar said, "...We all recognise the world is passing through an exceptionally volatile and uncertain phase. This includes multiple major conflicts, concerns about economic security, and the recurring threat of terrorism. India has a clear position. We believe that this is not an era of war." Jaishankar asserted that the "only solution" to any conflict is "dialogue and diplomacy."
"When it comes to economic risks, the answer is resilient supply chains and further diversification. It is particularly important that maritime trade is neither impeded nor endangered... As for terrorism, the world must be clear on zero tolerance..." Jaishankar said.
Jaishankar held talks with Bulgaria's top leadership and discussed ways to expand bilateral cooperation in trade, investment, defence, semiconductors, and artificial intelligence.
Jaishankar is on a two-nation tour of Bulgaria and Finland from June 10-11.
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The remarks came at a time when Iran and the US exchanged fire as hostilities escalated in the Middle East region. Iran launched retaliatory strikes, targeting multiple US military bases in Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan after the Central Command forces carried out strikes across multiple Iranian cities. It was the third time this week that back-and-forth strikes have tested a two-month shaky ceasefire.
The Central Command (CENTCOM) on Thursday announced that its forces had carried out "additional self-defence strikes" against "multiple targets in Iran". The CENTCOM said that the strikes were carried out in "response to Iran’s unwarranted and continued aggression." Explosions were reportedly heard in Sirik, Qeshm Island, Minab, Isfahan and Bandar Abbas.
