External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday briefed the Rajya Sabha on the evolving situation in West Asia, stressing that the region’s disputes must be resolved only through dialogue. India, he said, has consistently urged de-escalation and a focus on addressing underlying issues.
Jaishankar said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is monitoring emerging developments. He added that the government is closely watching crude oil prices and has taken steps to ensure there is no shortage of fuels.
On the safety of Indians abroad, the minister said the Indian mission in Iran has been issuing regular advisories and that the government remains committed to protecting the welfare of Indian nationals there. He noted that special flights are being operated to bring back Indians stranded in Gulf countries.
Jaishankar said India wants the ongoing war in West Asia, including the Iran-Israel conflict, to end, and that consultations have been held with officials from the defence ministry. He also underlined that the impact is not limited to a few countries, as several nations in the region are affected.
He told the House that nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work in Gulf countries, while a few thousand Indians are in Iran for studies or employment. The government, he said, is tracking difficulties faced by Indians and has directed relevant ministries and departments to take necessary measures.
