New Delhi [India], March 9 (ANI): Lok Sabha witnessed noisy scenes on Monday, the first day the House met following an inter-session break, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on the crisis in West Asia. The protests continued even as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo moto statement on the situation.
The government accused the Congress and other opposition parties of stalling the proceedings when the House was scheduled to take up a resolution submitted by opposition members seeking the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The opposition parties, however, do not have the numbers required to carry the resolution in the House.
Due to the protests, the House was first adjourned till 12 noon, then till 3 pm, and later for the day, as opposition members raised slogans against the government. When the House reconvened at 3 pm, the opposition continued its protests.
BJP member Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the House, told opposition members that the External Affairs Minister had already made a comprehensive statement addressing members’ concerns regarding the situation in West Asia.
Earlier, when the House met at 12 noon after the first adjournment, the Chair pointed out that the opposition had brought a resolution for the removal of the Speaker but was now protesting over another issue. He said the government was ready for a debate on the opposition’s resolution and also objected to opposition members displaying posters inside the House.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticized the Congress and other opposition parties. Targeting Congress, he said he had not seen “a more irresponsible” opposition party.
In his remarks, made in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said that the recent developments in West Asia were a cause of deep concern.
He noted that the current round of conflict began on February 28, involving fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, along with attacks on several Gulf states. According to him, the conflict has resulted in numerous casualties, including among Iran’s leadership, and caused widespread destruction of infrastructure across the region.
Jaishankar said the government issued a statement on February 28 expressing deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation, and prioritize the safety of civilians.
“We believed and we continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. It is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected,” he said.
The minister added that the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) met on March 1 and was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran and subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries.
“The CCS was concerned about the safety and security of the Indian community in the region. It also focused on the implications for regional security and for economic and commercial activities. The Committee was also apprised of difficulties faced by Indian travellers transiting the region and by students appearing for scheduled examinations in these countries,” Jaishankar said.
He added that the CCS directed all relevant ministries and departments to take appropriate measures to address these concerns.
“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor emerging developments, and the relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” he said.
Jaishankar further stated that the conflict has continued to intensify and that the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.
“We have noted that the conflict has spread to other nations with mounting destruction and deaths. Normal life and economic activities across the region have been visibly affected and, in some cases, have come to a halt. We therefore reiterated our call on March 3 for dialogue and diplomacy and spoke for an early end to the conflict,” he said.
The minister said that while any development negatively impacting global peace and security is troubling, the current conflict is particularly concerning for India.
“We are a neighbouring region and understandably have obvious stakes in ensuring that West Asia remains stable and peaceful,” he said.
Jaishankar noted that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, while a few thousand Indians are in Iran for studies and employment.
He also highlighted that the region is critical for India’s energy security, as it includes several major suppliers of oil and gas.
According to the minister, the Gulf region is also an important trade partner for India, with bilateral trade amounting to around USD 200 billion annually.
“The House is also aware that in the last decade there have been significant investments from the region into the Indian economy. Therefore, the serious supply chain disruptions and climate of instability that we perceive are indeed serious concerns,” he said.
Jaishankar also pointed out that there have been attacks on merchant shipping, where Indian nationals often form a significant portion of the crew.
“We have sadly already lost two Indian mariners, and one remains missing in such incidents,” he said.
The government, he added, has been closely monitoring the situation in West Asia since the 12-day war in June 2025, noting rising tensions and issuing advisories to the Indian community in Iran.
Jaishankar said that the Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and is committed to supporting the Indian community during the difficult situation.
“They are totally committed to supporting the Indian community and assisting Indian nationals who may wish to cross international borders,” he said.
Regarding diplomatic engagement, Jaishankar said India has maintained regular contact with the United States through diplomatic channels. However, he acknowledged that leadership-level contact with Iran is currently difficult.
He said he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on February 28 and again on March 5, adding that such high-level discussions would continue.
The minister also informed Parliament about an Iranian vessel currently docked in Kochi.
“The Iranian side requested permission on February 28 for three ships in the region to dock at Indian ports. Permission was granted on March 1. The vessel IRIS Lavan docked in Kochi on March 4, and the crew is currently at Indian naval facilities,” he said.
Jaishankar said India believed granting the docking request was the right humanitarian decision, adding that the Iranian Foreign Minister had thanked India for the gesture.
Addressing energy security concerns, Jaishankar emphasized that the interests of Indian consumers remain the government’s overriding priority.
“Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the efforts of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,” he said.
He reiterated that India supports peace and calls for dialogue, diplomacy, restraint, and protection of civilians.
“The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our overriding priority. We will continue to work with the governments of the region toward that end. Our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount,” he said.
Earlier in the day, INDIA bloc MPs protested at the Makar Dwar of Parliament, raising slogans against the government over the West Asia conflict.
Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge were among those who participated in the protest.
The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 28. The first part continued until February 13, and the second part will conclude on April 2. (ANI)
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