Kharge demands discussion on India's energy security, highlights hike in cooking gas price amid West Asia conflict

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge in Rajya Sabha.

Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge on Monday demanded a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on India's energy security amid the West Asia conflict.

He moved a notice seeking a short duration discussion on "emerging challenges for India's energy security."

Noting the hike in cooking gas prices, Kharge said that the conflict has impacted India's energy security and image of the country. He also expressed concern over the security of the 1 crore Indians living in the Gulf region, ANI reported.

"I want to seeks short duration discussion on emerging challenges to India's energy security. The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India's energy security and image of the country. The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stability," he said.

"Around 1 crore Indians work there whose security and livelihood are dependent upon the stability of that region. Some Indian citizens have been killed or are missing due to that conflict. An increase of RS 7 has happened in the cooking gas prices," he added.

He sought a discussion ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks regarding the 'Situation in West Asia' in the Rajya Sabha as the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament began today.

Israel-Iran conflict

There has been growing international attention on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases in multiple West Asian countries and Israeli assets across the region.