Jaishankar, Rubio Hold Talks On Energy Security Concerns Amid West Asia Conflict

Last Updated:March 23, 2026, 11:09 PM IST

Jaishankar and Marco Rubio discussed energy security concerns due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran in West Asia, which has disrupted global markets.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. (Reuters/File)

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the ongoing situation in West Asia related to the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has disrupted global markets and heightened concerns about energy security.

“Had a detailed telecon this evening with US @SecRubio. Our discussions focused on the West Asia conflict and its impact on the international economy. We particularly spoke about energy security concerns. Agreed to remain in touch,” Jaishankar said on X.

This came two days after Jaishankar spoke to his Iran counterpart Seyed Abbas Araghchi and conveyed greetings for Nowruz and Eid, marking his fourth conversation with the Iranian Foreign Minister since the war began on February 28.

“Spoke this evening to FM @araghchi of Iran. Conveyed greetings for Navroz and Eid. Our conversation was on the latest developments regarding the conflict. And its implications for the larger region,” wrote Jaishankar on X following the discussion.

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India has consistently pushed for dialogue and diplomacy with Iran since the start of the ongoing conflict, urging all sides to avoid escalation and return to negotiations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has repeatedly stressed that “dialogue and diplomacy” remain the only viable path to reduce tensions and address underlying issues.

Since the war began, Jaishankar has spoken to both Israel and Iran and urged de-escalation through dialogue to end the violence. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stressed the need for peace, stability and uninterrupted global supply chains, while calling for the protection of key shipping routes.

Meanwhile, global oil prices slumped on Monday after US President Donald Trump extended a deadline for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz or face attacks on its power plants, and said both sides were holding talks to end the war.

Trump told reporters Iran wants “to make a deal,” and claimed US envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner had held talks with a “respected” Iranian leader on Sunday. However, Iran has denied such talks as “fake news” and accused the US of trying to manipulate markets.

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