New Delhi: India has come out strongly against recent attacks on energy infrastructure in the Gulf region, calling them unacceptable and demanding they stop immediately.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, responding to media queries Thursday, said India had previously urged all sides to avoid targeting civilian infrastructure across the region. “Recent attacks against energy installations in different locations across this region are therefore deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world. Such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease,” he said.
On the West Asia conflict, now in its 20th day, Jaiswal repeated India’s consistent position: restraint, de-escalation, and a return to dialogue. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with the Sultan of Oman, French President, Malaysian Prime Minister, and Finnish President. “We have been talking to all sides,” Jaiswal said. “Our Prime Minister has been speaking with them, emphasising how we view the situation, what our priorities are, and how we should move forward.”
Pakistan’s nuclear record back in spotlight
Asked about US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard listing Pakistan alongside Russia, China, North Korea, and Iran as the most significant nuclear threats to the United States, Jaiswal did not mince words. “As far as Pakistan is concerned, it has a history of clandestine nuclear activities. Such statements once again make it evident what kind of record it has in this regard.”
He also addressed Pakistan’s recent strikes inside Afghanistan, which killed around 400 people. “We have seen strikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan. We have condemned these strikes because they have targeted civilian infrastructure and caused a lot of misery to people. We once again unequivocally condemn these barbaric strikes from Pakistan into Afghanistan. Obviously, this vitiates the atmosphere in the region. It is not helpful at all.”
LPG supply: domestic consumers come first
On the energy supply front, Jaiswal acknowledged that shipping routes have been disrupted and that LPG availability is a genuine concern. India’s priority, he said, is domestic consumers. “Their needs will be taken care of, and then we will decide how to manage LPG supply to commercial establishments.”
Neighbouring countries Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, and others have approached India for supply support. Jaiswal confirmed India is continuing to assist them while factoring in its own refining capacity and fuel availability. India has been supplying diesel to Bangladesh since 2007 through various transport modes and is keeping that up even now.
On the Chabahar port project, Jaiswal said the US has extended a conditional sanctions waiver until April 26, 2026. “The government remains engaged with all concerned in order to address the implications of these developments.”
‘A testing time for the entire global community’
Speaking at an inter-ministerial briefing on the West Asia situation, Jaiswal said the ongoing crisis is a test not just for India, but for the world. India, he added, is staying in contact with relevant countries to protect its energy security interests.
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