India Raises Strong Concerns Over West Asia Developments, Calls for De-escalation and Dialogue

Briefing the media in New Delhi, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India is closely monitoring the situation in the region. He stated that the Ministry issued a formal statement after summoning the Deputy Chief of Mission of Iran, during which New Delhi conveyed its deepest concerns and strongly condemned the recent developments.

Jaiswal said that a precious Indian life has been lost and several Indian nationals have been injured, with some of them suffering serious injuries. He added that India conveyed its strongest protest to the Iranian side and made it clear that such attacks must stop at the earliest.

The spokesperson emphasized that immediate de-escalation is necessary and urged both sides to return to the negotiating table and follow the path of dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace and stability in West Asia.

Addressing a question regarding the indictment of the Lawrence Bishnoi Gang, Jaiswal said India has consistently maintained that transnational organised crime, terrorism, narco-trafficking, human trafficking, illegal firearms trafficking, and related criminal networks pose a serious threat to societies.

He highlighted that India and the United States share strong and expanding cooperation in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime. According to him, Indian and United States agencies have worked closely together over the years, and this cooperation continues to deepen.

On the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Jaiswal said India’s position on the South China Sea issue remains well known. He underlined the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and overflight, lawful uses of the sea, and uninterrupted commerce in accordance with international law.

Reaffirming India’s stand, the spokesperson said maritime disputes must be resolved peacefully and in line with UNCLOS provisions. He also reiterated that the award issued ten years ago by the Arbitral Tribunal remains a significant milestone and provides a foundation for peaceful resolution of disputes between the concerned parties.

On the issue of passports, Jaiswal stated that an Indian passport is an official document issued by the Government of India to regulate the departure of Indian citizens from the country under the Passports Act, 1967. He explained that passports are issued only after due verification through an established procedure.

The spokesperson added that the issuance of passports to Indian citizens or any other individual is governed by the Passports Act and the Passports Rules, 1980. He informed that currently, less than eight percent of Indian citizens hold a passport.

Responding to questions regarding the Nijjar issue in Canada, Jaiswal said the Ministry has taken note of the remarks made by Royal Canadian Mounted Police Deputy Commissioner. He stated that these remarks are consistent with the recently unsealed United States indictment, which attributes responsibility to members of the Lawrence Bishnoi organised crime group.

Jaiswal reiterated that India remains committed to working with international partners in combating terrorism and transnational organised crime through close law enforcement and security cooperation. The developments highlight India’s continued focus on protecting its citizens, strengthening global security partnerships, and promoting peace and stability through diplomatic engagement