India is closely watching the changing circumstances and making appropriate choices in the best interest of the nation, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.

India once again emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomacy in resolving the ongoing conflict in Iran and the Gulf region. The government made it clear that they are closely monitoring the situation and will make decisions in the best interest of the country. Back in February of 2026, India had expressed concern when the conflict first began. At the time, they urged all parties to exercise restraint and prioritize the safety of civilians. However, as the holy month of Ramadan approached, the situation only worsened. The conflict not only intensified, but it also spread to other nations. This has resulted in destruction and loss of life, bringing all economic activities to a halt. As a neighboring country with a significant stake in the security and stability of the region, India is greatly concerned about these developments. The Ministry of External Affairs spoke about the efforts being made by the Indian government to address the situation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar have held discussions with their counterparts in the region and other key partners. India has a large population of around one crore living and working in the Gulf region. Their safety and well-being are of utmost importance to the government. Moreover, India's trade and energy supply chains also rely heavily on this region. Any major disruption could have serious consequences for the economy. India also strongly opposes attacks on merchant shipping, as it has resulted in the loss of Indian lives in recent days. In light of these concerns, India is once again calling for dialogue and diplomacy to end the conflict. The government mourns the loss of life and is actively working to assist Indian nationals affected by the situation. The Indian Embassies and Consulates in the affected countries are in constant communication and providing necessary support to those stranded. The statement from the Ministry of External Affairs comes amidst criticism from the opposition parties, particularly regarding India's stance towards Iran. However, experts and political analysts have defended the government's actions, stating that they have acted with caution and prioritized national interests. They also pointed out that the Congress-led governments in the past have maintained a neutral stance or even sided with global forces, rather than oppressive regimes like Saddam Hussein's in Iraq and Gaddafi's in Libya. The government's approach towards the conflict is in line with this trend. Ultimately, the government's position is to ensure the safety and well-being of Indian nationals and protect the country's interests. As the leading English daily in Odisha, Orissa POST will continue to provide updates on the evolving situation.