MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal gave information – 9000 Indians in Iran, many returned home after advisory

New Delhi, March 12. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal informed on Thursday that there are 9000 Indians in Iran and many of them have returned home after the advisory. During the ongoing crisis in the Middle East, more than 500 Indians stranded in Qatar have been evacuated to New Delhi and other places. The embassy warned people still stranded in the West Asian country against going near any unidentified objects, debris or fragments.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart thrice

Randhir Jaiswal also told that in this sequence, amidst concerns regarding possible disruptions related to the Strait of Hormuz, Foreign Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart thrice. Jaiswal said that the first oil tanker carrying non-Iranian crude has passed through the Strait of Hormuz. On March 1, a tanker named ‘Shenlong’ was loaded with oil at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia’s largest oil export terminal. This tanker reached Mumbai, India on 10 March.

He said, ‘There have been three talks between External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and the Foreign Minister of Iran in recent times. In the last conversation, issues related to safety of shipping and energy security of India were discussed. Apart from this, it is too early for me to say anything.

It is common for Pakistan to blame India for its mistakes.

With reference to Pakistan, MEA spokesperson said, ‘We reject such baseless allegations. It has now become common for Pakistan to blame India for its mistakes. As a country that has promoted terrorism for decades, Pakistan has no reputation when it comes to cross-border terrorism. No amount of storytelling will change this truth nor will anyone be fooled by Pakistan considering itself a victim.

Randhir Jaiswal said, ‘After the fighting started, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken to many leaders of the Gulf. During this, he stressed the need for dialogue and diplomacy so that peace can return soon. He also stressed the need to avoid civilian casualties and paid attention to the safety of the common people. We have a large Indian community in the GCC countries and their safety and well-being is of utmost importance.

Jaiswal said, ‘Our foreign minister is talking to his Iranian counterpart and talks have taken place three times in the last few days. As far as the impact of war is concerned, it is clear to everyone what is happening around. It has affected the lives of many of us, not just ours, but it has affected people and countries around the world.

Information about one Indian citizen killed in Iran attack

Meanwhile, an Indian citizen has been reported killed in Iran’s attack by a ‘suicide’ boat on a US-owned oil tanker near Iraq. Sources gave this information.

At the same time, India co-sponsored a resolution in the United Nations Security Council, which condemned the ‘horrific’ attacks carried out by Iran against the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and Jordan, demanded an immediate stop to all Iranian attacks and also condemned the threats to close the Strait of Hormuz.