India calls West Asia conflict a ‘testing time’ for global community

Emphasises diplomacy, energy security and safety of Indian nationals

PTI, March 19, 2026, New Delhi: As the conflict in West Asia widened with global ramifications, India on Thursday said the situation has been a "testing time", not just for the country, but the entire global community.

At an inter-ministerial briefing here on the West Asia situation, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal also said: "We continue to remain in touch with concerned countries to ensure our energy security needs are met."

The raging conflict in the region entered its 20th day on Thursday.

The West Asia conflict began on February 28 when the US-Israel combine launched military strikes on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran has targeted Gulf countries hosting US military bases.

"Yes, it has been testing time, not just for us, but the entire global community. Our leaders have been in touch with their counterparts, as I just spoke about the conversation between our prime minister and the Crown Prince of Kuwait. Similarly, we have been in touch with several other leaders," Jaiswal said.

The MEA spokesperson was asked if the West Asia conflict situation has proven to be a test of New Delhi's diplomatic approach in challenging global scenarios.

"Couple of days back you saw that because of our engagement, we were able to... and with talks and diplomacy with several of the stakeholders, we were able to get two of our LPG ships through the Strait of Hormuz," he added.

Jaiswal said India "continues to remain in touch with several stakeholders in this matter, so that we can ensure our energy security needs, as also at the same time, ensure well-being and safety of our Indian nationals, diaspora, present in large number in this region".

"So, our diplomatic efforts continue, and we are committed to taking care of our interests," he asserted.

Later, at his weekly media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India has been urging that there must be an "early end to this conflict" through dialogue and diplomacy.

The West Asia conflict has stretched into three weeks, with an Israeli attack on Iran's strategic gas fields of South Pars resulting in intense Iranian retaliation on key energy infrastructure in several Gulf nations, including Qatar's LNG (liquefied natural gas) hub of Ras Laffan, triggering global concerns. Qatar accounts for nearly 40 per cent of India's LNG requirement.

The MEA, in a statement, said the strikes are "unacceptable and need to cease," even as Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to top leaders of Oman, France, and Malaysia, emphasising the urgency to restore peace in the volatile region.

New Delhi described the attacks on gas infrastructure as "deeply disturbing" and said that such assaults will only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain global energy market.

Additional Secretary (Gulf), Ministry of External Affairs, Aseem R Mahajan, said the MEA continues to "closely monitor" developments in the Gulf and wider West Asia region, with the safety, security, and welfare of the Indian community remaining the highest priority.

Since February 28, around 2.8 lakh passengers have returned from the region to India. At present, 22 Indian-flagged vessels with 611 Indian seafarers remain in the western Persian Gulf region, with DG Shipping continuing close monitoring in coordination with ship owners and Indian missions.