New Delhi [India], April 2 (ANI): India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Thursday participated in a high-level meeting hosted by the United Kingdom on the evolving situation in West Asia, underlining concerns over maritime security, energy supply disruptions and the need for diplomatic de-escalation.

According to a press release, the meeting, convened by the UK Foreign Secretary, saw participation from more than 60 countries amid rising tensions in the region.

During the discussions, the Foreign Secretary talked about safeguarding international trade routes and maintaining stability in critical waterways. He said that the 'importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways' remains crucial.

Highlighting the direct implications of the ongoing crisis, the Foreign Secretary drew attention to India's energy security, which remains closely tied to developments in West Asia. He pointed out that volatility in the region has had tangible consequences for India, particularly in the context of maritime safety.

Emphasising the human cost of the crisis, he noted that 'India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf'.

'In his remarks at the meeting, the Foreign Secretary noted the importance of the principles of freedom of navigation and unimpeded transit through international waterways. He emphasised the impact of the crisis on India's energy security and the fact that India remains the only country to have lost mariners in attacks on merchant shipping in the Gulf,' the press release read.

Misri also underlined that the way out of the crisis consisted of de-escalation and a return to the path of diplomacy and dialogue among all concerned parties.

The meeting comes at a time when West Asia continues to witness heightened instability, with concerns mounting over disruptions to key shipping lanes, including those critical for global energy supplies. India, being one of the world's largest importers of crude oil, has repeatedly emphasised the need for stability in the region to safeguard its economic interests. (ANI)