Europe can't replicate India's Iran ties; New Delhi open to sharing engagement model, says Jaishankar

The EAM's remarks come amid reports that France and Italy have sought to engage Tehran to explore arrangements guaranteeing safe passage for their commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.

• Jaishankar says India's Iran engagement is unique to its context
• India discusses reopening Strait of Hormuz with Iran
• No blanket arrangement for Indian ships; handled case-by-case

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European countries may find it difficult to replicate India’s engagement with Iran, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has said, noting that each country’s relationship with Tehran "stands on its own merits".

Jaishankar, in an interview with the Financial Times released Sunday, said each relationship with Iran "stands on its own merits," making direct comparisons difficult, though he added that India would be willing to share its approach with European capitals.

"While this is a welcome development, discussions are still ongoing as there is more work to be done," he told the newspaper.

Notably, the EAM's latest remarks come amid reports that France and Italy have sought to engage Tehran to explore arrangements guaranteeing safe passage for their commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by the Financial Times.

An Italian source has, however, denied reports that any special negotiations were taking place with Iran. "In their diplomatic contacts, Italian leaders want to favour the conditions for a general military de-escalation, but there is no under-the-table negotiation aimed at preserving only some merchant ships," the source was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Meanwhile, a French official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Paris maintains open communication channels with Tehran but declined to confirm or deny the report, as reported by Reuters.

Jaishankar, interacting with the newspaper, said India is in discussions with Iran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a strategically vital waterway that links the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman and carries roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The minister, however, clarified that India has not reached any "blanket arrangement" with Iran regarding Indian-flagged ships and that the movement of vessels is currently being handled on a case-by-case basis.

In the meantime, the EAM Jaishankar has stepped up diplomatic outreach as tensions continue to escalate in West Asia following the U.S.-Israel offensive on Iran that began last month.

In recent days, he has spoken with Faisal bin Farhan, the foreign minister of Saudi Arabia, and Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, deputy prime minister and foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates, exchanging views on the evolving regional situation.

Earlier, he also held talks with Sugiono, foreign minister of Indonesia, on the conflict and bilateral ties. Sugiono described the conversation as productive, saying both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation and remain closely coordinated on regional and global developments.

Jaishankar has also spoken with counterparts from Russia, Germany, South Korea, and Iran as diplomatic engagement intensifies amid the escalating conflict and its impact on global energy markets.