Thiruvananthapuram, March 5 (NationPress) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has characterized the assault on an Iranian warship, which took part in a recent naval exercise in India, as "highly alarming". He also condemned the Union government's reaction as "inappropriate and unsatisfactory".

In his statement, Vijayan expressed that the developing situation in West Asia is profoundly concerning, posing a significant threat to global peace and stability.

He noted that the ongoing military actions by the US-Israel coalition and Iran's retaliatory measures are intensifying tensions in the area, which could lead to dire consequences.

Referring to the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his relatives, Vijayan pointed out that such actions violate international laws and United Nations protocols.

He emphasized that political disputes among nations should never escalate to a point where targeted killings are accepted as a form of conflict.

The Chief Minister highlighted the incident involving the Iranian warship on March 4, stating it was returning after participating in a joint naval exercise in India on February 25.

Reports suggest that several sailors lost their lives in this attack.

Vijayan remarked, "It is unacceptable for the Union government to dismiss the ship that came as a guest for our joint exercise, stating it was 'not a guest of the country'. This is merely a reflection of our submission to the United States."

He described the assault near India's maritime region as a serious infringement of international standards, raising alarm about turning the Indian Ocean into a conflict zone.

Vijayan also criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government for their lack of a decisive response to this grave matter, labeling their approach as inappropriate given the severity of the situation.

The Chief Minister warned that rising tensions in West Asia could have significant implications for the Gulf region, where a large number of Malayali expatriates work.

Any unrest in that region could directly threaten their safety, livelihoods, and Kerala’s economy, which heavily relies on remittances from overseas workers.

He assured that the Kerala government is vigilantly monitoring developments and that the Non-Resident Keralites Affairs Department (NORKA) has established coordination and support systems for expatriates.

Help desks have been created in Gulf nations, led by representatives of the Loka Kerala Sabha, alongside support from expatriate organizations, volunteers, and community leaders, all working with Indian embassies.

Vijayan urged for restraint and called upon the global community to intervene promptly to restore peace and stability, asserting that India should take a proactive diplomatic stance to avert additional escalation.