India has urged de-escalation: PM Modi in Lok Sabha on diplomatic efforts to end Israel-Iran war

Prime Minister Modi described the West Asia conflict as 'alarming' in his Lok Sabha address

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday that India has urged de-escalation and urged all parties to return to the negotiating table amid the escalating tensions in West Asia.

Calling the Israel-Iran war 'worrisome' at the Lok Sabha and the role India has to play, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "We have been very clear about our stand from the very beginning. I personally have spoken to all the concerned leaders in West Asia. I have urged all the leaders to bring an end to this war."

"India has condemned the attacks on citizens, energy and transport infrastructure (in the Gulf). Attacks on commercial ships and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. India is taking all efforts to ensure a safe passage for India-bound ships through diplomatic channels," said PM Modi.

Stating that India has raised its voice for 'humanity' and 'peace', PM Modi said, "Dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward to end this crisis. India is putting all efforts to reduce the tensions in West Asia and bring an end to this war."

"Taking a human life in the name of this war is against the principles of humanity...that is why India has urged de-escalation and asked all the nations concerned to put an end to this war," said the Prime Minister.

Admitting that there are some elements who are trying to play with the fear of people amid the West Asia crisis, PM Modi said he has alerted the relevant authorities to take strict action against those spreading misinformation. "Be it coastal security, border security, cyber security, strategic installations, we are strengthening everything in our capacity," he said.

"There are apprehension the effects of this war are far-reaching and will be felt for a long time, even after it is over. That is why, we have to be ready and have to stay united. We were together even when the Covid-19 infection broke out and have dealt with several challenges associated with the pandemic. We have to be ready the same way that we were during the pandemic," said PM Modi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's address came as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its 24th day on Monday. Earlier, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the escalating situation in West Asia and assessed risks to India’s economy, security, and supply chains.

The US–Israel–Iran war, now in its fourth week, continues to intensify with fresh strikes and threats of wider escalation. The US and Israel have launched new attacks on Iranian targets, while Iran has responded with missile strikes on Israeli towns, causing injuries and damage.

Meanwhile, tensions are centred on the Strait of Hormuz, with the US issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran and deploying additional troops, raising fears of a major regional conflict.