West Asia Conflict: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Says Energy Security and Safety of Indians Are Top Priorities
New Delhi: Amid the escalating conflict in West Asia, India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday made a statement in the Lok Sabha, emphasizing that the Government of India is giving the highest priority to the country’s energy security and the safety of Indians living abroad.
Jaishankar said the ongoing conflict could impact India’s energy supplies, and therefore the government is closely monitoring the availability, cost, and risks in global energy markets. “Given the potential impact of this conflict on our energy security, the government is committed to carefully assessing energy market availability, cost, and risks. For us, the interests of the Indian consumer will always remain paramount,” he said.
The minister informed the House that nearly 67,000 Indian citizens have already crossed international borders to reach safer locations, and the government is making every effort to bring Indians back safely from the West Asia region.
Jaishankar also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the evolving situation, while various ministries are coordinating to ensure an effective response to the crisis.
The situation escalated following joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. Reports indicated that the attacks resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior members of the ruling establishment. Since then, tensions in the region have intensified, with fresh attacks reported over the weekend on oil storage facilities and desalination plants.
During Jaishankar’s statement in the Lok Sabha, opposition MPs raised slogans and entered the well of the House carrying placards. Despite the disruption, the External Affairs Minister reiterated the government’s position, stating that India had already expressed concerns over regional instability.
He noted that on February 20, India issued an official statement expressing deep concern and urging all parties to exercise restraint. India also called for dialogue and diplomacy as the primary means to de-escalate tensions in the region.
Jaishankar also made a suo motu statement on the issue in the Rajya Sabha, assuring that the government would continue to closely monitor developments and take necessary steps as required.
Criticizing the opposition’s conduct during the proceedings, Union Minister J. P. Nadda described their behavior as irresponsible and condemnable. He said the opposition appeared more interested in creating disruption than engaging in meaningful debate on issues of national importance.
Nadda also pointed out that an opposition proposal is already pending, but instead of discussing it, they are raising new demands and seeking fresh debates. He added that such an irrational approach had rarely been seen before and accused the opposition of avoiding discussion merely to generate headlines.