NEW DELHI — Addressing a volatile session in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar issued a firm call for de-escalation in West Asia, asserting that “dialogue and diplomacy” remain the only viable paths forward.
As the conflict between the U.S.-Israel bloc and Iran enters its second week, the Minister emphasized that India’s primary focus is the safety of its citizens and the protection of its strategic energy interests.
Prioritizing the Indian Diaspora
With nearly one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf and several thousand in Iran, Jaishankar underscored the immense human stakes involved.
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Evacuation Efforts: Approximately 67,000 Indian nationals have already returned home via facilitated commercial flights and relocation through neighboring countries like Armenia.
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Seafarer Safety: The Minister noted that attacks on merchant shipping have directly impacted Indian mariners, with one sailor currently reported missing.
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Diplomatic Assurances: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has held direct talks with leaders across the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Israel to ensure the security of the Indian community.
Economic and Energy Security
The Minister highlighted the region’s central role in India’s economy, noting that the Gulf accounts for nearly $200 billion in annual commerce.
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Energy Stability: Amid oil prices breaching the $100 mark, Jaishankar assured the House that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) is monitoring the crisis to safeguard India’s fuel supply chains.
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Humanitarian Gestures: In a notable development, India allowed the Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi on March 4 for humanitarian reasons, maintaining a line of communication with Tehran despite the ongoing hostilities.
A Call for Sovereignty
While the opposition staged a walkout demanding a deeper discussion, Jaishankar maintained India’s stance on “restraint” and “territorial integrity.” He confirmed he has remained in touch with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, though he admitted leadership-level contact with Tehran remains “obviously difficult” at this time.
Conflict Snapshot: India’s Response
| Action Item | Status |
| Citizens Returned | 67,000+ |
| Control Room | Active (MEA Dedicated Hub) |
| Travel Advisory | Avoid all non-essential travel to Iran |
| Trade Impact | Monitoring $200B corridor & energy security |
