EAM warning: Disruptions, instability

Jaishankar says India allowed three Iranian ships to dock at Kochi, that serious supply chain disruptions were expected along with a climate of instability

- Ashwin Ahmad & Gaurav Vivek Bhatnagar

Amid protests by the Opposition, Union Minister for External Affairs S Jaishankar on Monday read out statements in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha regarding "The Situation in West Asia." He also warned India should expect "serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability.

Jaishankar also stated that India had responded to a call by Iranian authorities and had allowed three Iranian ships to dock at its port in Kochi.

He said, "Wherever there has been a partial opening of air space, we have approved and undertaken commercial flights, including nonscheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers. Our estimate is that as of yesterday almost 67,000 of our nationals have done so," Jaishankar said.

"I was informed of a handout of information put out by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which tells us of the efforts the government is making; there were 51 inbound flights operated by Indian carriers, which arrived in India on the 7th. On the 8th, there were 49 flights. On the 9th there are 50 flights."

Jaishankar also stated that India had responded to a call by Iranian authorities and had allowed three Iranian ships to dock at its port in Kochi. "Iranian side requested permission on 28 February for three ships in the region to dock at our ports. This was accorded on 1 March. IRIS LAVAN actually docked on 4 March in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities. We believe that this was the right thing to do, and the Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his country's thanks for this humane gesture," he said.