"Deeply disturbing": MEA calls for cessation of attack on energy, civil infrastructure amid West Asia conflict
New Delhi, March 19
The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday termed recent attacks on energy and civilian infrastructure in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia as "deeply disturbing" and called for an immediate cessation of such actions.
Addressing a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India's consistent position against targeting civilian and energy infrastructure in conflict zones.
"Right from the very beginning, we have called for avoiding targeting of civilian infrastructure, including energy infrastructure across the region. Recent attacks against energy installations in different locations are therefore deeply disturbing and only serve to further destabilise an already uncertain energy scenario for the whole world. Such attacks are unacceptable and need to cease," he said.
Jaiswal also highlighted concerns over the impact of the ongoing conflict on liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies, particularly due to disruptions in key shipping routes.
"With the latest attacks, the LNG supply is going to be impacted. It has been impacted because of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But we are in discussion with several countries and in touch with all stakeholders to ensure that we can secure our energy needs and enable unimpeded transit for our cargo," he added.
Earlier, Qatar's Ras Laffan Industrial City was hit by ballistic missiles from Iran, resulting in extensive damage, as per the country's Ministry of Defence. The attack is the second at the largest liquefaction facility in the world.
According to QatarEnergy, several of its LNG facilities were also subject to Iranian missile attacks after the attack on Ras Laffan.
"In addition to the previous attack on Ras Laffan Industrial City on Wednesday that resulted in extensive damage to the Pearl GTL (Gas-to-Liquids) facility, QatarEnergy confirms that in the early hours of Thursday, several of its Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facilities were the subject of missile attacks, causing sizeable fires and extensive further damage. Emergency response teams were deployed immediately to contain the resulting damage with no reported casualties," it stated.
This strike comes in retaliation from Iran after Israel struck the Islamic Republic's South Pars Gas field.
The attack on Iran's Gas field and Qatar's LNG facilities has sent energy prices up further, with little sign of any resolution to the conflict soon.
— ANI
Reader Comments
While I appreciate India's balanced stance, I wish our foreign policy was a bit more proactive in mediating peace. We have good relations with many Gulf nations. Can't we use that influence more strongly? Just calling for cessation feels like we're only reacting.
The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline. If it closes, it's not just about LNG, it's about everything. This conflict is now directly threatening global trade routes. India must work with other major economies to ensure freedom of navigation. Jai Hind.
Living in Mumbai, I can already feel the pinch. My LPG cylinder refill cost has gone up. It's ordinary families who suffer the most in these geopolitical games. Targeting energy infrastructure is a blow to civilians worldwide, not just soldiers.
This is why we need to fast-track our renewable energy plans and reduce this dependency. Solar, wind, nuclear - we must invest heavily. Atmanirbhar Bharat should mean energy independence too. A crisis like this shows our vulnerability.
Deeply disturbing indeed. My heart goes out to the workers and emergency teams at those facilities. No casualties reported is a small mercy. Hope diplomacy prevails soon. The world cannot afford another major war, especially in such a critical region.
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