Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressed grave concern over the recent attack on an Iranian warship that had taken part in a joint naval drill in India. Vijayan criticized the Union government’s response to the incident as “objectionable and disappointing.” He highlighted the escalating conflict in West Asia, emphasizing the potential threat it poses to global peace and stability.
Vijayan underscored the dangerous nature of the ongoing military actions between the US-Israel axis and Iran, warning of severe consequences from such tensions. He condemned the targeted killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader and his family, stating that such acts challenge international laws and UN norms.
The Chief Minister raised alarm over the attack on the Iranian warship, which resulted in casualties among the sailors. He criticized the Union government’s stance that the ship was not a guest of the country, labeling it as subservient to the United States. Vijayan emphasized that the incident near India’s maritime region violated international norms and hinted at potential conflict in the Indian Ocean.
Vijayan expressed disappointment in the lack of a clear response from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union government regarding the issue. He stressed the need for urgent international intervention to restore peace in West Asia and prevent further escalation. The Chief Minister also highlighted the potential impact of the conflict on Malayali expatriates in the Gulf region and Kerala’s economy, which heavily relies on remittances from overseas workers.
The Kerala government, under Vijayan’s leadership, is closely monitoring the situation and has established support mechanisms for expatriates through the NORKA department. Help desks in Gulf countries, managed by representatives of the Loka Kerala Sabha and expatriate organizations, aim to provide assistance to the community members. Vijayan called for restraint and urged India to actively engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region.
