New Delhi, Mar 09: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday expressed deep concern over the escalating conflict in West Asia, telling the Rajya Sabha that the situation has significantly deteriorated since fighting began on February 28.
Making a suo motu statement in the House, Jaishankar said, “I rise to apprise this august House of recent developments in West Asia that are a cause of deep concern to all of us.” He noted that the conflict involves fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, along with attacks on several Gulf countries.
The minister said the violence has resulted in casualties and large-scale destruction. “There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, as well as destruction of infrastructure in the region,” he said.
India had earlier called for restraint and diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation. Jaishankar reiterated the government’s position, saying, “We believed and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues.”
He also stressed that “the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected.”
The minister informed the House that the Cabinet Committee on Security met on March 1 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the situation. The meeting discussed the safety of Indian citizens, the impact on regional security, and disruptions affecting travellers and students.
Highlighting India’s stakes in the region, Jaishankar said the ongoing conflict is of particular concern because of the large Indian diaspora. “There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran, too, there are a few thousand Indians who are there for study or for employment,” he said.
He also pointed out that the region is crucial for India’s economy and energy needs. “The Gulf is also a major trade partner, accounting for almost USD 200 billion annually,” Jaishankar said, warning that instability and supply-chain disruptions could have serious consequences.
The minister confirmed that attacks on merchant shipping had already affected Indian nationals.
“We have sadly already lost two Indian mariners and one remains missing in such incidents,” he said, adding that the government shares the House’s condolences for the victims. The government has issued several advisories urging Indians to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and asking those already there to register with the Indian embassy. The Indian mission in Tehran has also facilitated the relocation of students and helped some citizens cross into neighbouring countries to return home.
Jaishankar said diplomatic missions across the region remain on high alert. The Ministry of External Affairs has also set up a special control room to monitor the situation and assist affected families.
According to the government, nearly 67,000 Indian nationals have already returned to India as flights gradually resumed in parts of the region. Jaishankar assured Parliament that efforts are continuing to assist those still stranded.
“I want to assure the House that every effort is being made that those who are stuck in the region, those who are transit passengers who are there, those who need to come back urgently from this region, we are making every effort for them to do so,” he said.
The minister added that India has remained in close diplomatic contact with countries across the region. Prime Minister Modi has spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel to ensure the safety of Indian citizens.
Concluding his statement, Jaishankar outlined the guiding principles of India’s approach to the crisis. “India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians,” he said.
He added that “the well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our priority” and stressed that “our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount.”
