External Affairs Minister says dialogue and diplomacy are the only way forward as government monitors safety of Indians in Gulf region.
India is closely monitoring the escalating conflict in the Middle East and making efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens in the region, External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said in Parliament on Monday.
Addressing the Rajya Sabha amid opposition protests, Jaishankar said dialogue and diplomacy remain the only viable path to de-escalate tensions in the region.
“The Prime Minister is closely monitoring the developments. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions. We want West Asia to remain stable. Millions of Indians are in the Gulf countries. We are concerned about them,” he said.
Government monitoring safety of Indians
Jaishankar stressed that the ongoing conflict has intensified the security situation across the Middle East, where a large Indian diaspora lives and works.
The minister said the government is making every effort to assist Indians who may be affected by the conflict.
Concerns over impact on Indians and fuel prices
Earlier, Mallikarjun Kharge, president of the Indian National Congress, raised concerns over the impact of the conflict on Indians working in Gulf countries and on rising global fuel prices.
Responding to the concerns, Jaishankar noted that the conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, including among senior leadership in Iran.
Cabinet Committee reviews situation
The minister also informed Parliament that the Cabinet Committee on Security held a meeting on March 1 to review the situation.
“The CCS was concerned about the safety and security of the Indian community in the region. It also focused on implications for regional security and economic and commercial activities,” Jaishankar said.
He added that respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region remains essential for maintaining stability.
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