Government calls all-party meeting on West Asia crisis on March 25
New Delhi, March 24
The Government of India has called for an all-party meeting on March 25 at 5 PM on the West Asia crisis.
Earlier today, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a review meeting in the wake of recent global and regional security events, and also to review India's defence preparedness.
CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, General Upendra Dwivedi, Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Samir Kamat, and others were also present at the meeting.
The ongoing conflict in West Asia has entered its fourth week, disrupting trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz. Tensions escalated following the killing of 86-year-old Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint military strikes by the US and Israel on February 28.
In retaliation, Iran targeted Israeli and US assets across several Gulf countries, causing further disruptions to the waterway and impacting international energy markets as well as global economic stability.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make a statement in the Rajya Sabha today on several aspects of the ongoing conflict and India's energy security.
A day earlier, Prime Minister Modi addressed the Lok Sabha to brief members on the developments in West Asia and their potential impact on India. Describing the situation as "worrisome".
He highlighted that the ongoing conflict poses unprecedented challenges that are not only economic and related to national security but also humanitarian.
The Prime Minister reflected on the global challenges which have emerged due to the conflict and India's trade relations with countries in the West Asian region that were witnessing war, stating that a large part of the country's need for crude oil and gas was met by the war-affected region. The opposition parties, on the other hand, called it a "master class in self-boasts and partisan dialogue-baazi (dramatic dialogue)."
"The situation in West Asia is worrisome. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks. It has a severe impact on the global economy and the lives of the people, and that is why the world is urging all sides for an early resolution to this conflict," PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister informed of India's trade relations with countries in the West Asian region that were witnessing war, stating that a large part of the country's need for crude oil and gas was met by the war-affected region.
He informed that the region also remains crucial as it provides a route for India's trade with other countries as well.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This crisis hits home. Petrol prices are already pinching our pockets. We rely so much on that region for oil. The government must have a clear plan B for energy. Glad they are reviewing defence preparedness too. Safety first.
While calling a meeting is good, I hope it's not just for show. The opposition's criticism about "dialogue-baazi" has some merit sometimes. We need concrete, bipartisan action, not just statements. Our foreign policy needs to be nimble and protect Indian interests above all.
The humanitarian angle is often forgotten. There must be thousands of Indian workers caught in the crossfire. Evacuation plans and support for them should be top priority in these discussions. Thoughts are with all affected families.
The Strait of Hormuz is a lifeline. Any disruption there sends shockwaves here. We need to fast-track our strategic oil reserves and diversify sources. This crisis is a wake-up call for Atmanirbharta in energy.
Good to see the CDS and all service chiefs in the review. National security cannot be compromised. India must walk a very careful diplomatic tightrope in West Asia. We have strong ties with multiple actors there. Jai Hind.
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