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Priyanka Gandhi "Keen to Hear" Jaishankar's West Asia Statement in Parliament

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra stated she is keen to hear External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's upcoming statement on the West Asia crisis in Parliament. Her remarks align with the Opposition's plan to raise the issue of the escalating Iran-US/Israel conflict during the Budget Session. Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh criticized ministerial statements for limiting MP questions and called for a full-fledged debate, citing a 2003 precedent under Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The statement comes amid heightened tensions following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader and subsequent retaliatory strikes across the region.

Key Points: Priyanka Gandhi Reacts to Jaishankar's West Asia Statement

  • Opposition seeks debate on West Asia
  • Jaishankar to make statement
  • Tensions escalated after Khamenei killed
  • Congress cites 2003 Iraq debate precedent
  • Conflict involves US, Israel, Iran, Hezbollah
2 min read

"Keen to hear what he will say": Priyanka Gandhi on EAM Jaishankar's statement on West Asia situation

Congress's Priyanka Gandhi and Jairam Ramesh seek a full debate on the Iran-Israel crisis as EAM Jaishankar prepares a Parliament statement.

"I am keen to hear what he will say. - Priyanka Gandhi Vadra"

New Delhi, March 9

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Monday reacted to the announcement of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's statement on the West Asia crisis, stating she is "keen to hear" the minister's position on this matter.

"I am keen to hear what he will say." Gandhi told reporters.

Her remarks come amidst the resumption of the second phase of the Budget Session, which will conclude on April 2. According to sources, the Opposition is set to raise the issue of the escalating Iran-US/Israel conflict and US waivers for crude oil purchases in both Houses of Parliament today.

Earlier, Congress MP Jairam Ramesh called for a full-fledged discussion in Parliament on the evolving situation in West Asia.

In a post on X, Jairam said that the problems with Ministerial statements are that they convey the information which is already known, with MPs not allowed to seek clarifications or ask questions.

"It has been let known that the External Affairs Minister will make a statement in both Houses of Parliament on the situation in West Asia. The problems with such Ministerial statements are that (i) they convey little of value over and above that is already known; and more importantly (ii) MPs are not given an opportunity to seek clarifications or ask questions," he said.

"What the Opposition wants is a full-fledged debate. On April 8 2003 there was a spirited debate in the Lok Sabha on the US invasion of Iraq and a resolution was even passed condeming it. This was when Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who knew his Rajdharma, was the PM," the Congress MP posted.

Meanwhile, EAM Jaishankar's statement comes amid rising global concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia and their geopolitical implications.

The conflict intensified after 86-year-old Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in joint military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. The strikes reportedly targeted key installations and also killed several senior leaders of the Islamic Republic.

Following the attacks, Tehran launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military bases in several Arab countries as well as Israeli assets across the region. Israel, backed by the United States, has continued strikes on Iranian targets, while also expanding military operations into Lebanon against Hezbollah and other Iran-backed groups.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
It's a very tense situation. India has so much at stake - our diaspora, oil imports, and strategic partnerships. I hope Dr. Jaishankar outlines a clear, balanced approach that protects Indian interests without getting dragged into the conflict.
V
Vikram M
Finally some discussion on this! Petrol prices will shoot up if this war escalates. Our government needs to secure our oil supply and ensure the safety of Indians working in the Gulf. That's the priority. 🙏
P
Priyanka S
"Keen to hear" sounds like a genuine approach. It's better than outright opposition for the sake of it. Let's hope the statement leads to a substantive discussion. The Vajpayee-era debate mentioned is a good precedent to follow.
R
Rohit P
Foreign policy should be above party politics. We must speak with one voice on the global stage. Jaishankar ji is capable, but the Opposition's point about a debate is valid for such a critical issue.
K
Kavya N
The real concern is for Indian students and professionals in the region. The government must have a solid evacuation plan ready if things worsen. Hope the statement addresses this.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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