Ajit Doval, Iran counterpart discuss West Asia security situation

Iran's Supreme National Security Council Secretary, Mohsen Rezaei, engaged in a telephone conversation with India's National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval, on Monday. During the discussion, they addressed the current security landscape in West Asia. Iran's embassy reported that the two officials exchanged views on recent regional and global developments and matters of mutual concern.

The conversation likely included a reference to the recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the assault on the country's airports. India had strongly condemned this incident, which resulted in 12 deaths, including one Indian national, and over 300 injuries. The Indian government emphasized that such attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf are entirely unacceptable and must cease immediately.

While India has consistently advocated for resolving the West Asia crisis through dialogue and diplomacy, the Indian side has also expressed deep concern over a series of attacks on merchant ships in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz. Most recently, two seafaring vessels - the MT Petro Dolphin and the MT Valthera - were attacked.

Among the crew of these ships were Indian nationals. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, two of the 11 Indian seafarers onboard the MT Petro Dolphin are missing, while all 11 on the MT Valthera are reported to be safe. The issue of attacks on merchant vessels was reportedly part of the agenda during the NSA talks.