India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke separately with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on February 28, 2026, urging restraint and dialogue. Amid escalating hostilities between Israel, the US, and Iran, Jaishankar reiterated India’s call for diplomacy and de-escalation to safeguard regional stability.
The Middle East crisis intensified after Israel and the US launched joint strikes on Iran, prompting retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran on US bases and civilian establishments across the Gulf. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, raising concerns of a wider regional conflict.
In response, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held urgent phone conversations with his counterparts in Iran and Israel, emphasizing that dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to peace. He reiterated India’s principled stance of avoiding escalation and promoting constructive engagement among nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed deep concern over the developments, noting that India’s priority is to protect its nationals in the region while supporting international efforts to restore calm. Analysts highlight that India’s outreach reflects its balanced foreign policy—maintaining strong ties with both Israel and Iran while advocating for peace.
Key Highlights
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Crisis: Israel-US joint strikes on Iran trigger retaliatory attacks across Gulf states.
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India’s Response: Jaishankar speaks with Iranian FM Araghchi and Israeli FM Sa’ar.
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Policy Stance: India calls for immediate de-escalation through dialogue and diplomacy.
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Impact: Civilian establishments and US bases targeted in retaliatory strikes.
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Strategic Role: India balances ties with Israel and Iran while promoting peace.
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Advisory: MEA monitoring situation; Indian nationals in West Asia urged caution.
Sources: India TV News – Middle East Crisis Coverage; Zee News – Jaishankar’s Diplomatic OutreachZee News; News18 – Regional Escalation Report; ThePrint – India’s Call for De-escalationThePrint; Mathrubhumi – MEA Statement