New Delhi, March 10 External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke to his German and South Korean counterparts on Tuesday as New Delhi intensifies diplomatic efforts to manage the fallout of the West Asia crisis, particularly regarding energy supplies.
Global oil and gas prices have surged following Iran's near-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping lane between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, which handles approximately 20 per cent of global oil and LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas).
Following his conversation with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, Jaishankar said that the ongoing conflict in West Asia was discussed.
"Exchanged views with FM @JoWadephul of Germany on the ongoing conflict in West Asia," he said on social media.
Jaishankar said he and South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun discussed the situation in West Asia, including its implications on the energy sector.
"Discussed advancing our bilateral agenda. As also the situation in West Asia, including its energy implications," the external affairs minister said.
In a post on X, Cho expressed hope that this year's high-level exchanges would elevate Korea-India relations to a new level.
South Korean President Lee Jae-Myung is expected to visit India within the next two months.
"Minister Jaishankar agreed and said we should work together to expand strategic economic cooperation between Korea and India, which has significant potential and strong complementarity," Cho said.
"We also discussed the situation in the Middle East, which is having a major impact on global security and the economy, and agreed to maintain close communication on measures to ensure the safety of our nationals as the situation develops," he said.