As the West Asia crisis deepens after the Iran and Israel war, India is monitoring the situation closely. India’s External Affairs Minister dialled Israeli and Iranian Counterparts to take stock of the situation. EAM Jaishankar discussed the release of 17 Indian crew members of MSC Aries, which was seized by Iranian forces. Iranian FM said “soon” arrangements will be made for an Indian govt representative to meet the crew members. The 17 Indian nationals onboard a cargo ship ‘MSC Aries’ were taken control by Iranian forces on April 13. ‘MSC Aries’ ship was seized between the UAE and Iran in the Persian Gulf, situated close to the Strait of Hormuz. The latest conflict intensified in West Asia after suspected Israeli airstrikes on Iran’s consulate in Syria.
