New Delhi: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar on Monday said India believes that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions in West Asia.
While making a statement in the Lok Sabha, he said the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region must be respected.
Jaishankar said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on March 1 under the chairmanship of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to review the situation. Officials briefed the committee about the airstrikes in Iran and subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries.
The minister said the CCS expressed concern about the safety and security of the Indian community in the region. The committee also examined the broader implications for regional stability, economic activities, and commercial operations.
Jaishankar informed the House that the government also reviewed the difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and by students appearing for scheduled examinations in those countries. The CCS directed all concerned ministries and departments to take appropriate steps to address these issues. He added that the prime minister continues to closely monitor developments, while ministries remain in coordination to ensure effective responses.
The minister said the conflict has intensified in recent days, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. He noted that the violence has spread to other countries and has led to increasing destruction and loss of lives. Normal life and economic activities across parts of the region have been severely affected, and in some areas they have come to a halt.
Jaishankar also said India reiterated its call on March 3 for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions and bring the conflict to an early end. He also expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and said he believes the House shares this sentiment.
The minister said the situation is of particular concern for India. He noted that West Asia lies in India’s neighbourhood and that stability in the region is vital for the country. Nearly one crore Indian citizens live and work in Gulf nations, while a few thousand Indians are present in Iran for studies and employment.
Jaishankar also highlighted the region’s importance for India’s energy security, as many key suppliers of oil and gas are located there. He said the Gulf region is a major trade partner, with annual trade valued at around USD 200 billion. The minister added that the region has also made significant investments in the Indian economy over the past decade.
He said the ongoing conflict has raised concerns about supply chain disruptions and growing instability. The situation has also involved attacks on merchant shipping, where Indian nationals often form a large share of the crew.
Jaishankar said India has already lost two Indian mariners, while one remains missing in such incidents. He expressed condolences to the families of the deceased and said he believes the House joins him in mourning their loss.
