Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar spoke to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday (23 March 2026). During this, he also met the ambassadors of Gulf countries. Jaishankar told on social media that he had a long conversation with Marco Rubio, in which the situation in the Middle East and its impact on the world economy was discussed. Especially concern was expressed regarding energy security and it was said to remain in touch in future also.

Indian Foreign Minister S Jaishankar also met the ambassadors of the member countries of the Gulf Corporation Council. Ambassadors of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar participated in this meeting. During this, everyone shared their views on the situation in the Middle East. Jaishankar also thanked these countries for their support to the Indian people living there.

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.

—Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) March 23, 2026

Cabinet meeting on security matters in India

This meeting has taken place at a time when recently the Cabinet Committee on Security in India also held an important meeting. In this meeting, measures to deal with the situation arising after the attacks on Iran by Israel and America were discussed. Special attention was paid to securing the supply of grains, fuel and fertilizers in the country. The government is also alert about the security of about 1 crore Indians living in the Middle East. Of these, about 80 lakh Indians live only in Saudi Arabia and UAE.

Talked to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister

Jaishankar also spoke to Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath on Monday. During this, the impact of the situation in West Asia was discussed. Due to this crisis, Sri Lanka has also demanded additional fuel from India, which India is considering. Apart from this, Jaishankar also talked to German Foreign Minister Johann Wadeful and discussed the situation in West Asia. On the current situation, the Government of India is continuously monitoring this entire matter and is taking necessary steps, so that the needs of the country and the safety of Indians living abroad are maintained.

Also read: When will the Iran war end? America has announced the date, mediation meeting will be held in Pakistan

Now many big countries of the world have become active behind the scenes to stop the ongoing war in the Middle East. According to a senior diplomat, before US President Donald Trump’s recent peace announcement, most of the secret talks took place through Oman and Turkey. According to Bloomberg report, Oman has played the role of mediator many times before and this time too it played an important role in preparing both the opposing sides for talks.

Messages were continuously exchanged not only between Oman and Türkiye, but also through India, Saudi Arabia and Egypt. These countries tried to keep the path of dialogue open, so that tension does not increase much. India has good relations with both the US and Iran, so it also helped in continuing the dialogue to maintain peace in the region. Although it is not clear how much direct impact this secret conversation had on Trump’s decision of 5-day ceasefire, but experts believe that the efforts of these countries have helped in preventing the war from escalating further.

Effort to reduce the distance between America and Iran

At present, the situation in the Middle East is such that on one side there is a war going on, while on the other side many countries are trying to find a solution through dialogue. This is the first time that in the fourth week of war, so many countries are coming together and trying to reduce the distance between America and Iran. This is indicating that talks for peace may intensify in the coming times.

Initiative to restore peace in the Middle East

Earlier it was also reported that Pakistan, Turkey and Egypt are also trying behind the scenes to prepare both the countries for talks. It is also being said that America’s Vice President JD Vance can attend such a meeting. If we look at the current situation in the Middle East, many countries of the world are continuously trying to end this big crisis and it is hoped that a peaceful solution can be found in the future.

Also read: Iran is not ready to bow down even after Trump’s peace announcement, gives ultimatum to America – ‘Give guarantees otherwise, head for head…’

AIMIM chief and MP Asaduddin Owaisi has fiercely attacked Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and the BJP government. Addressing a public meeting, he expressed displeasure over the statement of the CM in which he had talked about reducing the fare for the Mian community. Along with this, Owaisi also raised questions on the foreign policy of the Central Government and termed the decision to stop buying oil from Russia under American pressure as pseudo-nationalism.

In the meeting, Owaisi repeated the statement of the Chief Minister of Assam, in which he had said that if the auto driver is a Mian, then he has to pay Rs 4 instead of Rs 5. Expressing his displeasure, Owaisi said that in Assam, Miyan are those Bengali speaking Muslims who were brought there by the British for farming 150-200 years ago. He asked whether the only crime of these people is to be a citizen of India and speak Bengali language? He said that the Chief Minister of a country which talks about ‘developed India’ and competition with China, can have such a small mindset in the matter of just Rs 1?

Mention of Donald Trump and PM Modi

On international issues, Owaisi mentioned the conversation between US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said, ‘When Trump said not to buy oil from Russia, Modi ji immediately said – when should I stop?’ Owaisi sarcastically asked, will we listen to whatever a ‘white person’ says? He said that India should take decisions in its own interest while maintaining its sovereignty and not follow anyone else’s words.

Raised questions on the silence of Modi government

Apart from this, Owaisi also questioned the silence of the Modi government on the Palestine-Israel conflict. He said that America expresses pain over Russia’s attack on Ukraine, but why is the world silent on the death of 70,000 people in Gaza? Instead of spreading hatred, he appealed to the government to give equal status to everyone under the Constitution and adopt a balanced approach on humanitarian crises.

Also read: ‘Stop bullying, for Trump to step down…’ Ajit Doval gave message to Rubio, after which America came on line