The Union government has convened an all-party meeting in New Delhi on Tuesday evening to discuss the escalating tensions in West Asia and their potential impact on India.
According to the report, the conflict has intensified after the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran from February 28, with Iran responding in retaliation. The situation has raised concerns over regional stability and wider economic fallout.
Iran, angered by the attacks, has closed the Strait of Hormuz—through which around 20% of the world’s crude oil transport is said to pass—triggering fears of shortages of crude oil and gas globally, including in India. Opposition parties had been pressing for an all-party discussion on the issue.
The meeting is scheduled for 5 pm and invitations have been sent to opposition parties, including the Congress. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will chair the meeting, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju among those expected to attend.
The government is expected to brief parties on the war situation, the safety of Indians in the region, steps taken so far, and the status of crude oil and cooking gas stocks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi told the Rajya Sabha that India is working to secure energy supplies from wherever possible, that shipments have arrived in recent days with more expected, and that seven new empowered groups have been formed to manage impacts on supply chains, fuels, fertilisers, gas and inflation.
