09 March,2026 03:26 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Pic/PTI
India on Monday called for immediate de-escalation of tensions in West Asia and urged all sides to return to dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the ongoing conflict, with the government emphasising that the safety of Indian nationals in the region remains its top priority, reported news agency PTI.
Making a suo motu statement in Parliament, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said New Delhi is closely monitoring developments in the conflict-hit region while prioritising the protection of Indian citizens, along with safeguarding the country's energy security and trade interests, reported PTI.
Jaishankar said India continues to advocate restraint and diplomatic engagement to resolve the conflict and reduce tensions in the region.
"India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians," the minister said while addressing both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, reported PTI.
He emphasised that India supports maintaining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region.
The conflict escalated after the United States and Israel launched a major military strike on Iran on February 28, which reportedly resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The war has since caused significant casualties across the region, with officials reporting over a thousand deaths in Iran and additional fatalities in Lebanon and Israel.
The external affairs minister told Parliament that ensuring the safety and well-being of the Indian community in the region remains the government's foremost concern.
"The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our priority. Our national interests, including energy security and trade, will always be paramount," Jaishankar said, reported PTI.
According to government estimates, nearly one crore Indians live and work in various West Asian countries. The region is also crucial for India's energy imports and trade, with commerce valued at nearly USD 200 billion annually, reported PTI.
Jaishankar informed lawmakers that the government has already evacuated around 67,000 Indian nationals stranded in the conflict zone.
Jaishankar also said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been closely monitoring the rapidly evolving developments in West Asia.
He noted that the prime minister has spoken with several leaders from countries in the region and received assurances that the safety of Indian citizens would be prioritised, reported PTI.
"I have similarly been in close touch with my counterparts in these countries," Jaishankar said, adding that India has maintained regular diplomatic communication with the United States, reported PTI.
He also confirmed that he had spoken to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on February 28 and March 5 to discuss the situation.
Addressing concerns raised by some lawmakers, Jaishankar defended the decision to allow an Iranian vessel to dock at an Indian port.
He said Iran had requested permission for three ships to dock in India on February 28, and the government granted approval on March 1.
The vessel, identified as IRIS LAVAN, docked at Kochi on March 4, with its crew currently stationed at Indian naval facilities.
"We believe this was the right thing to do on humanitarian grounds," Jaishankar said, noting that Iran's foreign minister had expressed appreciation for the gesture, reported PTI.
The minister also informed Parliament that the Ministry of External Affairs has established a dedicated control room to monitor the situation and respond to requests from Indian citizens in the region.
Indian embassies in West Asian countries have issued regular advisories urging citizens to avoid non-essential travel to Iran and to stay in contact with diplomatic missions.
Jaishankar further noted that attacks on merchant shipping in the region have affected Indian seafarers, with some casualties reported and one Indian mariner still missing.
To address such risks, the Directorate General of Shipping has formed a quick response team to assist Indian seafarers and coordinate emergency measures.
Meanwhile, the minister's statement triggered protests from opposition parties in both Houses of Parliament.
Opposition MPs demanded a full discussion on the West Asia conflict before the statement was made. While opposition members staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha, protests in the Lok Sabha led to noisy scenes and forced the House to be adjourned temporarily.
Despite the disruptions, Jaishankar reiterated that India would continue diplomatic engagement and closely track developments to protect its citizens and national interests.
(With inputs from PTI)
