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Jaishankar Urges Diplomacy as West Asia Crisis Worsens After Strikes

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the Rajya Sabha on the severely escalated conflict in West Asia following joint US-Israeli strikes that resulted in significant Iranian leadership losses. He stated the Indian government had pre-emptively expressed deep concerns and continues to advocate for dialogue and diplomacy as the only way forward. Jaishankar confirmed the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the Prime Minister, is actively managing the crisis, including concerns for Indians in the region. Despite Opposition sloganeering demanding a full debate, the minister maintained India's commitment to a peaceful resolution.

Key Points: Jaishankar Briefs Parliament on Escalating West Asia Conflict

  • Briefing follows US-Israeli strikes on Iran
  • India pre-emptively expressed deep concerns
  • PM Modi-led CCS actively engaged
  • Conflict has spread, worsening regional stability
  • Opposition demands debate on energy, diaspora safety
2 min read

"Dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued": Jaishankar briefs Parliament on "worsened" West Asia crisis

EAM S Jaishankar updates Rajya Sabha on the worsened West Asia crisis, calls for dialogue and diplomacy amid regional strikes and leadership collapse.

"dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions - S Jaishankar"

New Delhi, March 9

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefed the Rajya Sabha on Monday regarding the conflict situation in West Asia, following a series of US-Israeli strikes on Iran that have triggered a wider regional conflict.

Addressing the Upper House of Parliament amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs, Jaishankar stated that "the Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses."

The briefing comes in the wake of the war, which erupted on February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes targeted Iran, resulting in the death of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several core members of the ruling group. The situation has since escalated, with fresh attacks reported over the weekend on oil depots and water desalination plants.

Jaishankar noted that the government had pre-emptively voiced its apprehensions regarding the regional volatility.

"Our government had issued a statement on 20th February expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions," he said.

Highlighting the gravity of the conflict, the minister confirmed that India had officially expressed concern over the war on February 28, 2026. He reiterated the call for "dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate the tensions in the regions," while drawing attention to the mounting casualties and the collapse of the Iranian leadership.

Jaishankar informed the House that the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been actively engaged with the crisis. He stated the committee was concerned about the "regional conflict and the difficulties faced by Indians in the region and Indian travellers."

In response to the growing threat, Jaishankar confirmed that "all Ministers were directed to take appropriate measures to tackle this issue."

He further observed that the geopolitical environment has significantly deteriorated, noting that "the situation has further worsened in the region and has spread to other nations."

Despite the internal disruptions in the Rajya Sabha, the External Affairs Minister maintained that the Indian government remains committed to a peaceful resolution, insisting that "dialogue and diplomacy are the ways forward for all sides to de-escalate."

Opposition members continued to raise slogans demanding a full-fledged debate under Rule 176 on energy security and diaspora safety. (ANI)

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
While I appreciate the call for diplomacy, the briefing felt reactive. The situation has been building for weeks. What concrete steps are being taken to evacuate our people if needed? We need action plans, not just statements. Hope the ministries are truly coordinated.
A
Aman W
This is going to hit petrol prices hard, yaar. 🇮🇳 Our economy is still recovering. The government must have a solid backup plan for oil imports. The opposition is right to ask for a debate on energy security—this affects every common person.
S
Sarah B
Respect to Dr. Jaishankar for maintaining composure and delivering a clear message despite the sloganeering. India's voice for peace on the global stage is crucial. The collapse of Iranian leadership creates a huge vacuum; stability there is in everyone's interest.
K
Karthik V
Our diaspora's safety is paramount. Thousands of Indians work in the Gulf and Israel. The CCS must ensure swift communication and evacuation channels are ready. Praying for peace and the safety of all affected. 🙏
V
Vikram M
A regional war is the last thing we need. India has historic ties with both the Gulf nations and Israel. Our diplomacy must be pragmatic—protect our interests, help de-escalate, but avoid getting drawn into the conflict. Tough job for MEA.

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