New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday said that amid growing regional pressure due to the continuing conflict in the Middle East, several neighboring countries have sought assistance from India for petroleum supplies.External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “In the case of Bangladesh, we have been continuing to supply their energy requirements since 2007… We recently supplied 38,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products to Sri Lanka based on their request. Our engagement with Nepal and Bhutan continues, which continues.”“The Government of Maldives has also approached us for supply of petroleum products on short-term and long-term basis. These requests are being examined keeping in mind our own availability and needs,” he said.Jaiswal also gave assurance on the safety of Indians in the area. “”About 10 million Indians live in the GCC countries. They are all safe and we are in constant touch with them. It is unfortunate that eight Indians have been killed so far in this conflict and one is still missing.”He further said, “Here at the Ministry of External Affairs, in coordination with our Ministry of Shipping and all our Indian embassies in the region, we are dedicated to protecting the security and interests of our citizens. We are closely monitoring all developments and activities related to the Gulf region, this ongoing conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.”Additionally, addressing the evacuation efforts, Jaiswal said, “Many of our Indian citizens – 204 to be precise – have been able to leave Iran for Azerbaijan through the land border, and from there, they will return home. Many of them have already returned, while others will do so in the next few days. We are grateful to the Government of Azerbaijan for its support in facilitating the exit of Indian citizens from Iran.“