Middle East crisis: EAM Jaishankar speaks to foreign ministers of Iran & Israel
New Delhi (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Saturday held separate phone conversations with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar as the Middle East reeled under massive tension following a joint US-Israel military offensive against Iran.
The external affairs minister also spoke to his Saudi counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Kuwait's Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.
Jaishankar held separate phone conversations with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani and UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan
In his conversation with Araghchi, the external affairs minister conveyed India's deep concern over the developments in Iran and the region.
"Had a telecon with Iranian FM Seyed Abbas Araghchi this evening. Shared India's deep concern at the recent developments in Iran and the region," Jaishankar said on social media.
On his conversation with Sa'ar, Jaishankar said he reiterated "India's call for dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions”.
The external affairs minister said he and Saudi Foreign Minister Al Saud exchanged views on the ongoing situation in the Gulf.
"Underlined India's stakes in regional peace and stability and in the welfare of the Indian community," he said.
"Was apprised of the situation in Qatar. Value his assurance on the well-being of the Indian community," Jaishankar said on his conversation with the Qatar prime minister.
"Discussed the evolving situation in the Gulf with UAE DPM and FM Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al-Nahyan this evening. India is concerned with the escalating situation. Appreciate his commitment to the welfare of the Indian community," he said on social media.
Following the attack by the US and Israel, Iran launched retaliatory military strikes targeting Israeli and American military bases across the region, including in Qatar, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain and Jordan.
Earlier in the day, US President Donald Trump, announcing the military offensive against Tehran, called on the people of Iran to "take over" the government, saying it will "probably be your only chance for generations".
The US-Israel joint strikes on Iran came after weeks of negotiations between Washington and Tehran on the Iranian nuclear programme did not produce any tangible outcome.
At least 57 people were killed at a girls' school in southern Iran in the US-Israel strikes, Iranian state media reported.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is deeply concerned about the recent developments in Iran and the Gulf region.
"We urge all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritise the safety of civilians," the MEA said.
"Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states must be respected," it said in a statement.
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Sujit Nair raises concerns over speculation of DMK-AIADMK understanding to block TVK
Chennai: Journalist and political commentator Sujit Nair has expressed concern over speculation that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam could explore a post-poll understanding to prevent Vijay-led Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam from forming the government in Tamil Nadu.
In a social media post, Sujit Nair said the election verdict in Tamil Nadu reflected a clear public demand for political change and argued that the mandate should be respected irrespective of political preferences.
Referring to reports and political discussions surrounding a possible understanding between the DMK and AIADMK, he said he hoped such developments remained only speculative conversations and did not turn into reality.
Nair stated that if such an alliance were to take shape, it would raise serious questions about ideological politics in the country. He said TVK had emerged through a democratic electoral process and that the legitimacy to govern in a parliamentary democracy comes from the people’s verdict.
According to him, attempts to prevent an electoral winner from forming the government through unexpected political arrangements may be constitutionally valid, but many people could view them as politically opportunistic.
He further said that such a move could particularly affect the political image of the DMK, which has historically projected itself around ideology, social justice and opposition politics. Nair said that in ideological terms, the DMK appeared closer to TVK than to the AIADMK, and joining hands with its long-time political rival only to remain in power could weaken its broader political narrative.
He added that the same questions would apply to the AIADMK as well, as the party had spent decades positioning itself against the DMK and such an arrangement could create discomfort among its cadre and supporters.
Drawing a comparison with Maharashtra politics in 2019, Nair said he had expressed similar views when the Shiv Sena formed an alliance with the Indian National Congress and the Nationalist Congress Party after the Assembly elections.
He said post-poll alliances between long-standing political rivals often create a public perception that ideology and electoral mandates become secondary when political power equations come into play.
Nair also said such developments increase public cynicism towards politics and reinforce the belief among voters that ideology is often sidelined after elections.
He maintained that the Tamil Nadu verdict was emphatic and said respecting both the spirit and substance of the mandate was important for the credibility of democratic politics.
