India expresses concern over West Asia tensions, urges restraint and return to diplomacy

India on Wednesday voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia following fresh attacks on commercial vessels transiting international waterways, warning that the developments could threaten regional peace, security and stability.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the recent escalation came after renewed targeting of commercial shipping in the region.

"India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region," the MEA said.

The ministry warned that the latest developments risk undermining regional stability and called on all sides to exercise restraint.

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"These developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability. India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce," the statement said.

Emphasising the need for a diplomatic resolution, the MEA urged all parties to return to dialogue to prevent further escalation.

"We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict," it added.

The statement came as President Donald Trump said Wednesday the ceasefire with Iran was "over" after the two sides traded fire, but added that negotiators could keep talking to Tehran.

Trump blasted Iran as "scum" and "cuckoo" after Washington launched strikes on the Islamic Republic overnight and Iran's Guards said they had targeted US bases in the Gulf.

Oil prices jumped five percent after Trump's remarks.

"I think it's over. I don't want to deal with them any more, they're scum," Trump said at a NATO summit in the Turkish capital Ankara when asked if the truce with Iran was now finished.

"They're scum, they're sick people, they're led by sick people, and they're vicious, violent people. And if they had a nuclear weapon, they'd use it.

"We're gonna hit 'em hard tonight," he said before holding talks with Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky, saying: "They violate the agreement every day."

India has consistently called for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve conflicts in the region while emphasising the need to safeguard maritime security, civilian lives and global energy supply chains.

With inputs from agencies