India has secured the interests of around 10 million Indians living in the Gulf, ensured oil and gas supplies and strengthened political engagement with regional partners amid the West Asia conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told a parliamentary panel, sources told CNN-News18.
Jaishankar briefed the Consultative Committee of Parliament for External Affairs on India’s engagement with Gulf countries over the past few months, outlining the diplomatic steps taken as conflict in the region intensified, the sources said.
According to the briefing, protecting the interests of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf was a key focus of India’s engagement. The minister said the government had also ensured oil and gas supplies for India despite
the conflict.
India has simultaneously discussed connectivity with its Gulf partner countries and strengthened political contacts across the region, Jaishankar told the committee.
The briefing comes ahead of the BRICS summit, which India will host as chair of the grouping, and at a time when New Delhi is seeking to maintain close engagement with countries across the Gulf amid heightened tensions in West Asia.
The briefing comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the Gulf region remaining crucial to India’s energy security, trade, connectivity and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals living and working there.
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