Uk calls 35-nation meet on hormuz crisis, india to join emergency talks

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu) – Amid ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States in West Asia, the Indian government has launched a massive operation to ensure the safe evacuation of its citizens. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has invited India to participate in the proposed 35-nation multilateral talks on the Strait of Hormuz.

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi that more than 1,200 Indian citizens have been safely evacuated from Iran so far. These include 845 students, who constitute the largest portion of the operation. He added that 996 of the evacuated citizens have been sent to Armenia and 204 to Azerbaijan. Coordination with Indian missions and local authorities in these countries is being carried out to ensure their safe return. Adequate arrangements have been made for food, accommodation and travel during transit.

Due to the disruption of direct air routes, India has adopted an alternative evacuation strategy through Armenia and Azerbaijan to expedite the evacuation of people from the crisis-hit areas. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that India has been invited to the multilateral talks on security and maritime traffic issues related to the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will participate virtually on behalf of India in this important meeting. Experts believe that India's participation in this dialogue could prove to be important from the perspective of regional stability, energy security and global maritime trade.