NSA Ajit Doval Raises Safety of Indian Seafarers, Tankers in Call With Iranian Counterpart: MEA

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval raised concerns over the safety and security of Indian seafarers and tankers during a telephone conversation with Iran’s Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Wednesday.

Addressing a bi-weekly media briefing in New Delhi, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the two officials spoke on October 12 and discussed bilateral issues, the regional situation and international developments.

“This conversation happened on 12th of October. National Security Advisor spoke to the Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, His Excellency Dr Mohsen Rezaei. They discussed bilateral issues. They also discussed regional situation and international developments, and during the meeting, the safety and security of Indian seafarers was raised, as also the safety and security of Indian tankers was also raised,” Jaiswal said in response to a question about the discussion.

On Monday, the Iranian Embassy in India said Doval and Rezaei had exchanged views on recent regional and international developments and matters of mutual interest.

In a post on X, the embassy said Rezaei had held a telephone conversation with Doval on Monday evening, during which the two sides discussed developments and issues of mutual interest to India and Iran.

The conversation comes amid continuing attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically important waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.

The strait is one of the world’s most important energy corridors, facilitating the transportation of oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) from major Gulf producers to international markets.

India has previously expressed concern over threats to commercial shipping and seafarers in the region. In July, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephone conversation with his Iranian counterpart, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, during which he urged that attacks on commercial vessels and seafarers be avoided under all circumstances.

“Had a telephonic conversation with FM Araghchi of Iran this evening. Conveyed our deep concerns at the ongoing hostilities in the region. Strongly urged that attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers be avoided under any circumstances. India condemns any such attack by any party,” Jaishankar wrote on X.