Riyadh, March 4 (NationPress) Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) Subrahmanyam Jaishankar had a telephone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah on Wednesday. Their dialogue concentrated on the deteriorating security landscape in West Asia and its wider repercussions.

An official announcement from the Saudi Press Agency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged with the Indian External Affairs Minister to discuss "the latest developments in the region and their implications for both regional and international security and stability, along with the ongoing efforts to address these issues."

This conversation occurred amidst escalating conflicts in West Asia, particularly following the US-Israeli "Operation Epic Fury" against Iran, which has triggered retaliatory actions throughout the Gulf region.

The ongoing crisis has intensified concerns surrounding energy security, maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, and the potential for a larger conflict involving regional powers.

Both India and Saudi Arabia have crucial stakes in maintaining stability in West Asia. New Delhi has established robust diplomatic and economic ties with significant regional players, including Iran, Israel, and the Gulf Cooperation Council nations.

India’s energy security, coupled with its diaspora of approximately nine million citizens in the Gulf, along with its trade interests, are intricately linked to regional stability.

Saudi Arabia, recognized as a leading authority in the Arab and Islamic communities and a vital ally of the US, finds itself in a precarious position.

While hosting American military assets, Riyadh has also sought to maintain lines of communication with Tehran, with China notably facilitating talks in 2023.

The ongoing conflict, which has reportedly involved strikes on Saudi territory, places the Kingdom at the forefront of efforts to avert a broader regional war.

The Jaishankar-Faisal bin Farhan conversation forms part of New Delhi’s extensive diplomatic outreach in the region. India has consistently advocated for restraint, de-escalation, and renewed dialogue.

This phone call underscores the significance both nations attribute to their strategic partnership, which encompasses political alignment, energy collaboration, defense, and trade exceeding $50 billion annually.

The Saudi Foreign Ministry’s statement, published on March 4, accentuated the continuous consultations between the two nations as they navigate a turbulent period in Middle Eastern history.

Although the readout did not specify immediate outcomes, such high-level interactions are crucial for coordinating responses, safeguarding national interests, and exploring avenues for de-escalation.

Official sources indicated that Jaishankar is likely to maintain close communication with counterparts in other significant regional capitals as the situation evolves.