India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict [74a932dd]. They discussed the safety of maritime traffic, expressing concerns about the situation [74a932dd]. PM Modi also mentioned India's vote in favor of a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza [74a932dd]. The Red Sea, a key shipping route, has experienced attacks on cargo ships by Yemen's Houthi rebels [74a932dd]. In response to the security concerns, BP temporarily halted transit through the Red Sea [2129efc8]. The US has announced the establishment of a multinational operation to safeguard commercial shipping in the Red Sea [74a932dd].
The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that at least 19,667 Palestinians have been killed and 52,586 wounded in the Israel-Hamas war [2129efc8]. Additionally, around 1,200 Israeli citizens have been killed in Hamas attacks [74a932dd].
The conversation between Modi and Netanyahu is significant as it follows India's vote against Israel in the UN resolution [74a932dd].
Indian Foreign Minister Dr. S Jaishankar visited Tehran and met with his Iranian counterparts [17f0ebcc]. The visit followed a conversation between Jaishankar and US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, focusing on maritime security challenges in the Red Sea region [17f0ebcc]. Iran's support for groups like Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the Houthi rebels in Yemen, has drawn criticism from several nations including the US and UK [17f0ebcc]. The US and UK retaliated to drone and missile strikes by targeting Houthi locations in Yemen [17f0ebcc]. Iran holds the key to curtailing the growing conflict in West Asia and its support for groups challenging the West and Israel makes it a key player in the region [17f0ebcc]. India, with close ties to both the US and Iran, is in a position to discuss ongoing conflicts and options to defuse them [17f0ebcc]. The visit of Jaishankar to Iran is aimed at seeking a possible solution to ongoing conflicts, discussions on a two-nation concept for Palestine, and containing the Houthis, among other issues concerning Indo-Iran relations [17f0ebcc].
India's interests in Tehran may be affected by the conflict between Iran and Pakistan. Iran attacked targets inside Pakistan, and Pakistan retaliated, potentially leading to a long-drawn conflict [05d5120a]. The complexities of the Israel-Hamas conflict are revealed as Iran supports Shia outfits fighting against Israel, while the Sunni-Arab world wants to see Iran lose [05d5120a]. The conflict in the Red Sea is impacting international trade and could affect India's post-pandemic economic recovery [05d5120a]. Indian exporters are concerned about escalating costs and delays in transportation [05d5120a]. India's 'neighbourhood first' policy must address security concerns on the maritime and continental shelf [05d5120a]. Prime Minister Narendra Modi should propose a UN summit to prioritize peace-building [05d5120a]. India must work for peace while remaining prepared for conflicts that may arise [05d5120a]. Indian exporters are concerned about escalating costs and delays in transportation [05d5120a]. India's voice is influential globally, and it should take up the issue of conflict prevention with the UN [05d5120a] [05d5120a].
Sources:
[74a932dd] ProIQRA Novels
[2129efc8] Latest News Source
[17f0ebcc] The Statesman
[05d5120a] Deccan Herald