Post-conversation, Jaishankar shared on X: ‘Had a telephone conversation this evening with Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. We exchanged views on the conflict underway in West Asia and its many implications.’

The timing is critical, following the February 28 U.S.-Israel airstrikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and senior military figures. Iran responded aggressively with drone and missile assaults on U.S. and Israeli installations, regional hubs, and proxy forces, deepening the crisis.

Jaishankar’s diplomatic calendar has been packed. He recently spoke with foreign ministers of Russia, Iran, France, and Oman, reflecting India’s sustained engagement with stakeholders to assess risks and explore stability measures.

That same day, he met UAE’s Reem Al Hashimy to review conflict updates. Jaishankar thanked the UAE for safeguarding Indian expatriates, tweeting: ‘Pleased to meet UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem Al Hashimy today afternoon. Expressed thanks to UAE govt for care of Indian community. Discussed recent events in West Asia conflict.’

Just days prior, on March 16, interactions with Ursula von der Leyen in Belgium addressed West Asia and Ukraine dynamics. Jaishankar commended her perspectives, stating on X: ‘Great to meet EC President Ursula von der Leyen. Her January India visit marked a milestone in ties. We’re advancing rapidly. Value her take on current global issues.’

India’s flurry of high-level talks signals a strategic approach to mitigate the conflict’s fallout, ensure citizen safety, and advocate for dialogue. As tensions simmer, New Delhi’s voice gains prominence in pushing for restraint and resolution.

What began as a skirmish on February 28 between Iran and US-Israel allies has ballooned into a regional crisis, prompting urgent evacuations. India’s government has mobilized resources to extract its citizens, achieving a milestone with over 550 brought to safety via Armenia’s support.

A significant update came from the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA), confirming the arrival of 70 students and pilgrims in Delhi. National Convener Nasir Khuehami detailed the perilous route: ‘These individuals, trapped in Iran due to escalating hostilities, navigated a tough overland and aerial path through Armenia and Dubai on connecting flights, landing safely at IGIA this morning.’

This batch represents the kickoff of broader operations. The MEA, speaking on March 12, outlined its comprehensive strategy, balancing citizen rescues with protections for maritime routes and energy supplies. In weekly briefings, Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal noted, ‘Iran hosts nearly 9,000 Indians across professions. Post-advisories, students and others have returned, while many in Tehran have been shifted to secure locations.’

Jaiswal reiterated calls to heed the Embassy’s Tehran advisory for departures. As conflicts rage, such international partnerships highlight Armenia’s unexpected yet vital contribution to India’s evacuation success, ensuring no Indian is left behind in the fray.

Triggering the crisis, US-Israel joint operations struck key Iranian assets, prompting Tehran’s fierce counterattack on Israeli and American targets in the Gulf. Israel labeled its actions pre-emptive, while the US branded the campaign ‘Operation Epic Fury.’

Posting on X, Jaishankar detailed his exchange with Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi, conveying India’s grave concerns and the imperative to avoid more chaos. His prior call to Israel’s Gideon Sa’ar reinforced that only through communication can tensions be diffused.

India’s official stance, as per the MEA, calls for all sides to shun military escalation, honor national sovereignties, and embrace restraint. President Trump backed the strikes and spoke of potential Iranian leadership overhaul, met with defiant warnings from Tehran.

The standoff risks engulfing the region in catastrophe, with global organizations sounding alarms on humanitarian fallout. India’s proactive stance reflects its delicate balancing act between longstanding Iranian partnerships and robust Israeli alliances, all while protecting vital trade routes and energy supplies.

As missiles fly and rhetoric heats up, New Delhi’s appeals underscore a commitment to peace, positioning India as a pivotal mediator in this powder keg.

India’s initiatives took center stage in Jaishankar’s speech: the National Critical Minerals Mission to map and exploit domestic resources, development of rare earth corridors for efficient transport, and adherence to responsible sourcing practices. He also pledged backing for the ‘Forge’ program, a US-led effort to fortify allied supply networks.

Echoing these sentiments, US Vice President J.D. Vance called on allies to unite in rearchitecting the critical minerals marketplace. He likened these resources to indispensable fossil fuels, cautioning that current chains are brittle and geographically limited, fostering instability that hampers long-term commitments.

Vance illustrated with examples of market floods that plummeted prices, bankrupting ventures overnight. With attendees accounting for two-thirds of world GDP, he urged collective action: ‘We are one team.’ His blueprint includes a secure trade bloc with stage-specific reference prices, backed by tariffs to thwart predatory dumping.

This framework promises price steadiness, investment revival, strategic foresight, and crisis preparedness. As tensions rise over mineral dominance—particularly from China—these moves could redefine energy transitions and technological sovereignty, positioning India as a key player in diversified, democratic supply ecosystems.

Jaishankar expressed concern over the current international situation, noting the decline in both peace and development. The deepening crises in energy, food, and fertilizer security are severely impacting Global South nations. He cited the Ukraine war and the Gaza conflict, highlighting how issues such as supply and costs are putting pressure on economies.

He explicitly stated that peace enables development, but undermining development will not establish peace. Jaishankar accused certain countries of adopting double standards at the international level. He mentioned that applying different standards in similar situations makes the path to peace more difficult. According to him, diplomacy and dialogue are the solutions to conflicts, not displays of force or arms races.

The Foreign Minister stressed that the Ukraine and Gaza wars have severely impacted the Global South. He noted disruptions to supply chains and logistics, which have created significant pressure on many countries regarding not only availability but also costs. Jaishankar also questioned double standards and said that peace makes development possible, but obstructing development cannot open the path to peace.

He added that some countries often possess the ability to talk to both sides. Such countries should be involved in the process of restoring peace by the international community and should be encouraged. During this, he also questioned the limitations of the United Nations and other multilateral institutions. He said that the current situation proves that there is an urgent need for reforms in these institutions, including the United Nations.

Jaishankar warned that the message from India is clear: the world can no longer operate with half-measures on issues such as terrorism and conflict. Making energy and resources uncertain is fatal for any economically weak country and makes the path to peace more difficult.

Jaishankar also mentioned that India aims to enhance trade with Russia and discussed bilateral relations during his visit to Russia. He reiterated India’s clear stance on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the desire for a swift resolution. The Minister visited Russia from August 19 to 21, co-chairing the 26th session of the India-Russia International Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, Technological, and Cultural Cooperation (IRIGC-TEC).

Jaishankar stated that India’s substantial GDP, currently at over USD 4 trillion and growing at 7% annually, necessitates a dependable supply of essential resources, including products like fertilizers, chemicals, and machinery. He further noted that India’s infrastructure development offers substantial business prospects for companies with a strong domestic track record. Initiatives such as ‘Make in India’ and ongoing urbanization and modernization are creating new demands, which represent invitations for Russian companies to engage with their Indian counterparts.

Recognizing the historical stability of the India-Russia relationship, Jaishankar stressed the importance of diversifying and balancing trade between the two nations. He noted that while the relationship has been steady, economic cooperation has not fully reflected this, with trade volumes and the trade deficit remaining limited. He advocated for more concerted efforts to achieve higher trade targets and sustain existing levels.

Jaishankar also promoted deeper cooperation to foster growth and development, and expressed India’s openness to investments, joint ventures, and other collaborative endeavors. He highlighted the potential for mutual benefit between India and Russia, with governments providing guidance and creating favorable conditions for economic activity. Discussions have focused on trade, investments, and joint ventures, with an emphasis on key areas where demand is already established. The signing of Terms of Reference (ToR) for the India-Eurasian Economic Union Free Trade Agreement was also mentioned, which is expected to enhance trade. Furthermore, initiatives in skill development, mobility, and improved connectivity are underway. Jaishankar concluded by emphasizing the need for businesses to move forward confidently and for close collaboration between governmental discussions and business planning.

Jaishankar’s push for increased trade with Russia comes in response to the US’s recent imposition of substantial tariffs on Indian goods, which includes a 25 percent ad valorem duty, with an additional 25 percent tariff set to take effect on August 27, bringing the total duty to 50 percent.