EAM Jaishankar meets PM Modi to review escalating West Asia crisis

EAM S Jaishankar

• PM Modi reviews West Asia conflict with top officials
• India issues advisories for nationals in Iran amid tensions
• Conflict threatens India's energy security and supply chains

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PM Modi reviews West Asia situation as Jaishankar tells Parliament conflict threatens India’s energy security

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held a high-level meeting to review the escalating situation in West Asia as the conflict in the region continues to intensify.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff Anil Chauhan were present at the meeting in New Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha and informed members that the Prime Minister is personally monitoring developments amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

The External Affairs Minister said the government has issued formal advisories for Indian nationals in Iran and stressed that ensuring the safety of Indian citizens remains the government’s top priority.

“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” Jaishankar told the House.

He added that the government is maintaining constant contact with Indians across the Gulf region. The Embassy of India, Tehran, remains fully operational and is assisting students affected by the conflict.

According to Jaishankar, the embassy has already relocated several students to safer areas. He also said the government is working to assist Indians currently stranded in countries such as Qatar and Jordan and ensure their safe return.

Providing an update on maritime disruptions linked to the conflict, the minister said two Indian mariners working in merchant shipping have died while one remains missing.

Jaishankar warned that the conflict carries significant geopolitical and economic implications for India.

“This ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India. We are a neighbouring region and have obvious stakes that West Asia remains stable,” he said, noting that nearly one crore Indians live and work across Gulf nations, with several thousand more in Iran for study and employment.

He also emphasised that the region is critical for India’s energy supplies and cautioned that the ongoing conflict could trigger serious supply chain disruptions.

Reiterating India’s diplomatic stance, Jaishankar said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to de-escalate tensions. He reminded Parliament that India had already issued a statement on February 20, urging all sides to exercise restraint.

The minister’s remarks came amid disruptions and sloganeering by Opposition members in the Rajya Sabha. The government continues to monitor developments as hostilities across West Asia widen.

*with ANI Inputs