Tel Aviv/New Delhi, April 14 (NationPress) India's External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar engaged in a phone call with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar, on Tuesday to deliberate on the current state of West Asia and the Strait of Hormuz.

"I spoke with Israel's FM Gideon Sa'ar this afternoon. Our conversation touched upon various facets of the West Asia situation," EAM Jaishankar shared on X.

Sa'ar noted that he emphasized to EAM Jaishankar the significance of the US position in negotiations aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which is crucial for the international community.

“As always, I had a productive conversation with my friend, India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. We talked about Iran, the Strait of Hormuz, and Lebanon. I conveyed that a strong American stance in negotiations—specifically on ensuring no enrichment of nuclear materials in Iran and the removal of enriched materials—is vital for the global community," the Israeli Foreign Minister tweeted after their discussion.

“I also expressed that Iran’s threats to the freedom of navigation and global economy through economic terrorism in the Strait of Hormuz necessitate decisive action to guarantee safe passage for all nations, including India and our allies in the Gulf," he continued.

The Strait of Hormuz, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, is among the world's most critical routes for oil transit, accounting for nearly 20% of global oil shipments.

These discussions occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region, following unsuccessful negotiations between US and Iranian officials.

In recent weeks, EAM Jaishankar has communicated with various international counterparts, as India remains actively engaged with regional governments and key partners regarding the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

On Monday, EAM Jaishankar spoke with Kuwait's Foreign Minister, Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, addressing the situation in West Asia and the welfare of the Indian diaspora.

After their call, EAM Jaishankar tweeted: "I had a productive discussion with FM Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah of Kuwait, focusing on the regional dynamics and the welfare of the Indian community."

From April 11-12, EAM Jaishankar was on an official visit to the UAE. During his trip, he met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi, conveying greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

During their meeting, EAM Jaishankar expressed appreciation to Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for his efforts to ensure the welfare of the Indian community in the UAE amid the West Asia conflict.

Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, was also present at the meeting.

"I felt deeply honored to meet President of the UAE HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi today. I extended warm greetings from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and expressed our gratitude for the care shown to the Indian community amid the West Asia conflict. I appreciate his guidance in further strengthening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership," EAM Jaishankar noted on X.

In another post, he added: "It was good to connect with HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during my visit. I expressed our Government's gratitude for ensuring the welfare of the Indian community in Dubai."

On Saturday, he had discussions with the UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan concerning the evolving circumstances in West Asia and their broader implications.

On the same day, EAM Jaishankar also engaged with members of the Indian community, emphasizing the Indian government's commitment to the security and well-being of its citizens amid the regional conflict.