09 March,2026 12:57 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
Leaders and MPs of the opposition INDIA bloc staged a protest in Parliament on Monday, accusing the Centre of remaining silent on the escalating conflict in West Asia and demanding a detailed discussion in the House on the situation and its implications for India, reported news agency ANI.
The protest was held near the Makar Dwar entrance of Parliament, where several opposition leaders raised slogans against the government. Among those leading the demonstration were Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.
Opposition MPs displayed a banner during the protest that read: "Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership - no silence," highlighting concerns over the government's response to the intensifying conflict in the region, reported ANI.
The protest came after the opposition demanded a detailed debate in Parliament on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, citing concerns over its potential impact on India's energy security, economic stability and the safety of Indian citizens in the region.
However, instead of allowing a discussion, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha regarding the situation. Since questions and clarifications are typically not permitted after such statements, opposition parties objected and staged a walkout.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh defended the opposition's decision, stating that the government had denied their request for an immediate discussion.
"As expected, the External Affairs Minister made a suo motu statement in the Rajya Sabha on which no questions can be asked or clarifications sought. The entire opposition wanted an immediate discussion on the West Asian situation. This was denied, and hence the opposition walked out after protests," Ramesh said, reported ANI.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha amid sloganeering by opposition MPs, Jaishankar said the government was closely monitoring the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia.
He informed the House that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is keeping a close watch on developments and that multiple ministries are coordinating to respond to the emerging challenges.
"The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses," Jaishankar said, reported ANI.
The minister also noted that the government had earlier issued a statement on February 20 expressing concern over rising tensions in the region and urging all parties to exercise restraint.
"Our government had issued a statement expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions," he added, reported ANI.
Earlier in the day, Kharge had sought a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on India's energy security in light of the ongoing conflict.
He warned that the escalating hostilities in West Asia could have serious implications for India's oil supplies, economic stability and global image.
"The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India's energy security and image. The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stability," Kharge said while raising the issue in the House, reported ANI.
He also referred to rising cooking gas prices, arguing that developments in the region were already affecting domestic energy costs.
Meanwhile, a separate protest was also held within the Parliament premises by suspended opposition MPs. The lawmakers carried a banner reading, "Silencing the opposition is equal to killing democracy," accusing the government of suppressing dissent in Parliament, reported ANI.
The protests come against the backdrop of the intensifying war in West Asia, which began on February 28 following joint US-Israeli strikes targeting Iran. The attacks reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei along with several key members of the ruling establishment.
The conflict has since escalated, with fresh attacks reported over the weekend on oil depots and water desalination plants, raising global concerns about disruptions in energy supplies and regional stability.
(With inputs from ANI)
