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Kharge Demands RS Debate on Energy Security Amid West Asia Conflict

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge demanded a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on challenges to India's energy security stemming from the West Asia conflict. He cited a recent hike in cooking gas prices and expressed deep concern for the security of approximately one crore Indians living in the Gulf region. His remarks came ahead of External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's scheduled statement on the 'Situation in West Asia'. The second phase of the Budget Session began, set to run until April 2, focusing on essential legislation and the Union Budget.

Key Points: Kharge Seeks RS Discussion on India's Energy Security

  • Demand for RS debate on energy security
  • Conflict impacts LPG prices & economy
  • Security concern for Indians in Gulf
  • Session to address Budget 2026-27
  • West Asia tensions after Khamenei killing
2 min read

Kharge demands short duration discussion in RS on India's energy security amid West Asia Conflict

Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge demands Rajya Sabha debate on energy security & safety of Indians in Gulf amid West Asia conflict.

"The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India's energy security and image of the country. - Mallikarjun Kharge"

New Delhi, March 9

The second phase of the Parliament Budget Session began with Congress President and Rajya Sabha Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge demanding the short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on India's energy security amid the West Asia conflict.

Noting the hike in cooking gas prices, Kharge said that the conflict has impacted India's energy security and image of the country.

He also expressed concern over the security of the 1 crore Indians living in the Gulf Region.

"I want to seeks short duration discussion on emerging challenges to India's energy security. The conflict is not limited to West Asia; it has now impacted India's energy security and image of the country. The result of this conflict will also impact our economic stability," he said.

Around 1 crore Indians work there whose security and livelihood are dependent upon the stability of that region. Some Indian citizens have been killed or are missing due to that conflict. An increase of RS 7 has happened in the cooking gas prices," he added.

This came ahead of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar's remarks regarding the 'Situation in West Asia' in the Rajya Sabha as the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament began today.

There has been growing international attention on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases in multiple West Asian countries and Israeli assets across the region.

The second phase of the Parliament Budget Session, beginning today, is scheduled to go up to April 2, during which essential legislative business and the Union Budget 2026-27 are expected to be addressed primarily.

The session, which began on January 28 with the President's address to a joint sitting of the two Houses, comprises 30 sittings over 65 days up until April 2.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While the concern for Indian workers is paramount, I hope the discussion focuses on concrete solutions—diversifying energy sources, accelerating renewables—rather than just political point-scoring. The stability of the Gulf region affects us all.
P
Priyanka N
Absolutely correct! My brother works in Dubai and the family is constantly worried. ₹7 increase on gas cylinder may seem small but it adds up. Parliament should definitely discuss this urgently. Safety of our people comes first.
A
Aman W
It's good that the opposition is raising important issues. But let's also hear what EAM Jaishankar has to say. Our foreign policy has been quite strong. Hope the discussion is productive and not just a shouting match.
K
Karthik V
Energy security is a national issue, beyond politics. We rely too much on imports. Time to fast-track solar, wind, and maybe even nuclear. This conflict shows why being self-reliant (Atmanirbhar) in energy is not just a slogan.
M
Michael C
Respectfully, while the demand for discussion is fine, the timing feels political right before the budget. The government is likely already working on contingencies. A short-duration discussion often lacks depth. Let's hope for substantive debate.

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

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