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.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
21 illegal migrants from Bangladesh sent back from Assam
Guwahati (PTI): A total of 21 illegal migrants from Bangladesh, including children, were sent back to their country from Assam in the early hours of Sunday, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.
The push back took place from Sribhumi district of the state, he said.
"Alert eyes. Midnight action. At 12:30 AM sharp, 21 illegal migrants were sent back to their respective country, thanks to the ever-watchful @sribhumipolice," Sarma said in a post on X.
"Apprehended. Documented. Sent back home. Seems like while most people were dreaming, our police were wide awake doing the night shift for the nation. Sleep can wait when duty calls," he added, lauding the police action.
The two photographs shared by the chief minister on X showed at least seven children among the illegal migrants.
The Assam government has been cracking the whip on illegal migrants from Bangladesh, pushing back infiltrators through its borders with the neighbouring nation.
