67,000 Indians Brought Home Amid West Asia Conflict, Jaishankar Warns Of Supply Chain Risks In Parliament
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar today addressed both Houses of Parliament on the escalating West Asia crisis, revealing that 67,000 Indian nationals have safely returned home from conflict-affected countries as of 8 March.
Speaking amid Opposition sloganeering, the minister detailed extensive evacuation operations, with embassies running round-the-clock in maximum alert status across the region.
Jaishankar warned that the conflict risks "serious supply chain disruption" and poses significant concerns regarding shipping lanes, energy supplies and global trade flows.
He emphasised that protecting Indian consumers remains the government's "overriding priority" as the crisis intensifies following joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran and subsequent retaliatory attacks.
The minister noted nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations, with the region crucial for India's energy security as a key supplier of oil and gas.
The External Affairs Minister confirmed India's decision to allow Iranian warship IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port on 4th March, describing it as a "humane gesture" after the vessel developed technical issues.
The ship, carrying 183 crew members including young cadets, received approval on 1 March following an urgent request from Tehran.
Iran's Foreign Minister expressed gratitude for the decision, which came shortly before another Iranian naval vessel was sunk by a US submarine off Sri Lanka's coast, killing over 80 people.
In his statement, Jaishankar outlined India's diplomatic position, urging all sides to exercise restraint and pursue dialogue to de-escalate tensions.
He revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan, Israel and Bahrain, receiving assurances about the safety of Indian communities.
The minister noted that leadership-level contact with Iran has become "obviously difficult" under present circumstances, though India maintains regular diplomatic channels with all parties including the United States.
Parliament proceedings were disrupted as Opposition MPs demanded a full-fledged debate on the crisis rather than a ministerial statement.
Congress leader Jairam Ramesh argued that such statements convey little new information and don't allow MPs to ask questions, citing the 2003 Iraq War debate as precedent.
The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 3 pm following the protests, with an Opposition-backed no-confidence motion against Speaker Om Birla also on the agenda as the second phase of the Budget Session continues until 2 April.
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