Iran launched attacks on several Gulf nations, says Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha

Opposition walked out of Rajya Sabha as EAM Jaishankar spoke on West Asia conflict.

While addressing the Rajya Sabha on West Asia conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday said Iran has launched attacks on several Gulf nations.

"Developments in West Asia deep cause for concern for all of us. We continue to believe dialogue and discussion should be used to resolve all issue," said Jaishankar.

He also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.

Highlighting India’s direct stakes in the region, Jaishankar said the ongoing conflict has significant implications for the country’s strategic and economic interests. “This ongoing conflict is a deep concern for India," he said.

He also pointed to the region’s importance in meeting India’s energy needs. “The region is very important for energy security, and a lot of our oil and gas comes from there," the External Affairs Minister noted.

The EAM addressed the Upper House amid ruckus from Opposition MPs who raised objections as Jaishankar rose to make a statement.

Apart from energy concerns, Jaishankar said the government is also focused on the safety and well-being of Indian nationals living in the region.

On the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said, "This ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India. We are a neighbouring region, and have obvious stakes that West Asia remains stable. There are one crore Indians who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran, too, there are a few thousand Indians for study or employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas....Serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability are serious issues."

"Till yesterday, almost 67,000 of our nationals have crossed international borders to return...Every effort is being made to bring back our people from West Asia," he said.

"The conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. The conflict has spread to other countries with mounting destruction. Normal life and activities are visibly affected," he added.