India backs diplomacy in West Asia, confirms 10 ships exited Strait of Hormuz and says efforts are underway to ensure safe passage for vessels still in the Gulf.
India on Thursday reiterated its call for peace and diplomacy in West Asia, with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal saying New Delhi supports all initiatives aimed at de-escalation amid rising tensions in the region.
“As far as West Asia is concerned, our policy is very clear — we have always stood in favour of peace,” Jaiswal said, adding that India believes all conflicts should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy and continues to back any step that advances peace efforts.
VIDEO | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) says, “As far as West Asia is concerned, our policy regarding the ongoing situation is very clear, we have always stood in favour of peace. Any step that is being taken, or will be taken, towards peace initiatives has our… pic.twitter.com/grv74QWKJS
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026
Providing an update on maritime security, he said 10 Indian ships have exited the Strait of Hormuz safely in recent weeks, while 14 Indian vessels remain in the Persian Gulf. He added that India is in close contact with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage for remaining ships and confirmed that Indian nationals aboard two foreign-owned vessels that were recently fired upon are safe.
VIDEO | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) says, “10 Indian ships have exited the Strait of Hormuz safely in the last few weeks, while 14 Indian ships are still in the Persian Gulf. Regarding Commander Tiwari, he was sentenced by Qatar’s Court of Cassation, along with… pic.twitter.com/JBFUbXgAcJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026
He also said “The two ships that were fired upon are foreign-owned. There are some Indian nationals on board these ships, and they are safe. As far as Indian ships in the Persian Gulf are concerned, we remain in close contact with Iranian authorities to ensure their safe passage out of the region and back to India.”
VIDEO | MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “The two ships that were fired upon are foreign-owned. There are some Indian nationals on board these ships, and they are safe. As far as Indian ships in the Persian Gulf are concerned, we remain in close contact with Iranian… pic.twitter.com/CToZRniSVw
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) April 23, 2026
The MEA also addressed the case of Commander Purnendu Tiwari, who remains detained in Qatar. Jaiswal said Tiwari was sentenced by Qatar’s Court of Cassation in February 2026 along with an Omani owner and a Qatari officer. While he received relief in a separate case in March, he continues to be held in connection with the earlier ruling.
“ We are in touch with his family and are extending all possible support,” Jaiswal said.
VIDEO | Delhi: “Purnendu Tiwary was arrested last month in a case ongoing in Qatar. Others have also been arrested, but they are of other nationalities. Our embassy is in touch with Commander Tiwari and his family and is providing all possible consular assistance. As the arrest… pic.twitter.com/i3dqPYqfdf
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) January 9, 2026
First Published:
April 23, 2026, 18:43 IST
End of Article
