New Delhi, March 11: S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister of India, on Tuesday held a telephonic conversation with Johann Wadephul, Foreign Minister of Germany, to discuss the escalating conflict in West Asia and its broader geopolitical and economic implications.
Jaishankar said the two leaders exchanged views on the evolving situation in the region as India continues diplomatic engagement with key global partners amid rising tensions.
In recent days, the Indian foreign minister has also spoken with counterparts from Italy, Oman and Iran, reflecting New Delhi’s ongoing consultations with regional and international stakeholders.
The crisis began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28, which triggered retaliatory drone and missile attacks targeting US assets and allied forces across West Asia.
Earlier, Jaishankar also spoke with Antonio Tajani, Foreign Minister of Italy, who stressed the need for coordinated diplomatic efforts to ensure immediate de-escalation, freedom of navigation and stability in global markets.
Tajani warned that disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a critical maritime route connecting the Gulf to the Arabian Sea—pose significant risks to global energy supplies and economic stability for both India and Europe.
He also emphasised the importance of strengthening alternative trade and connectivity corridors such as the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which aims to enhance trade, digital and energy linkages between Asia and Europe.
A dedicated political and economic initiative on the corridor is scheduled to be held on March 17 in Trieste, Italy, aimed at advancing connectivity and strengthening economic cooperation across participating regions.
