NewKerala.com

Jaishankar, Cyprus FM Discuss West Asia Tensions Amid Drone Attacks

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Cypriot counterpart, Constantinos Kombos, to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia. This comes as Cyprus reported intercepting two drones possibly targeting a Royal Air Force base on the island, prompting evacuations and a UK-led probe. The incident, which caused minor damage, was discussed by Cyprus's President with the EU Commission President, who labeled it a serious European security concern. The diplomats also reviewed bilateral relations, including the recent India-EU Free Trade Agreement.

Key Points: Jaishankar, Cyprus FM Discuss West Asia Security & Drone Incidents

  • Drone attacks intercepted near UK base in Cyprus
  • EU expresses serious security concern
  • Discussion on West Asia conflict escalation
  • Review of India-EU FTA and trade deals
  • Probe launched into overnight strike
2 min read

EAM Jaishankar, Cyprus counterpart Constantinos Kombos discuss West Asia situation

EAM Jaishankar and Cyprus FM Kombos discuss West Asia situation. Cyprus intercepts drones near UK base, EU expresses security concern.

"Exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf. - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, March 3

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a telephonic conversation with his Cyprus counterpart Constantinos Kombos on Tuesday, discussing the current situation in West Asia.

Following their conversation, EAM Jaishankar in a post on X wrote, "Spoke with FM Constantinos Kombos of Cyprus, holding the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. Exchanged views on the situation in the Gulf."

Cyprus government on Monday said that two drones flying towards the country, possibly targetting the Royal Air Force (RAF) base at Akrotiri in the southern part of Cyprus island, were intercepted on Monday.

Cyprus Government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said that three British aircraft scrambled from the base and "dealt with" the drones in a timely manner, Xinhua News Agency reported. The incident marked a second attack within hours, after a drone hit the runway shortly after midnight, causing minor damage, however, no casualties were reported.

Base authorities directed non-essential personnel to leave and ordered residents of the nearby Akrotiri village on the southern coast of the island to evacuate. UK authorities are carrying out a probe into the overnight strike.

Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides discussed the incident with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who termed it a matter of serious concern for European security and reaffirmed the EU's support for its members.

The latest conflict in West Asia began after joint US-Israel strikes on Iran, aimed at degrading Tehran's missile capabilities and broader military infrastructure.

The opening wave of the operation killed senior figures in the Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering a sweeping response from Iran in the form of drone and missile attacks targetting US assets, regional capitals and allied forces across West Asia.

Kombos had met EAM Jaishankar in Washington last month and congratulated him on the India-US trade deal and the recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between India and the European Union (EU).

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The situation in West Asia is getting very tense. Drone attacks near a UK base in Cyprus show the conflict is spreading. Hope our government's talks help in de-escalation. The safety of Indian diaspora in the Gulf is paramount.
R
Rohit P
Good to see our EAM active on the global stage. But respectfully, while we discuss global security, I hope equal focus is given to pressing domestic issues like inflation and unemployment. Our foreign policy is strong, but the aam aadmi's concerns are immediate.
S
Sarah B
The mention of the India-EU FTA is key here. Strategic partnerships are built on both security and trade. Stability in West Asia is crucial for our energy security and trade routes. A volatile region hurts the global economy.
V
Vikram M
When external powers get involved in regional conflicts, it always escalates. The US-Israel strikes have opened a Pandora's box. India's role should be that of a responsible mediator, not taking sides. Jai Hind!
K
Karthik V
The evacuation of villagers in Cyprus is worrying. This is no longer a distant conflict. It's reaching Europe's doorstep. India must use its goodwill with all parties to advocate for peace. Our diplomacy is being tested.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50