The parliamentary panel on external affairs on Wednesday expressed serious concerns about the escalating conflict in West Asia and its potential implications for India, whose energy supplies are already
affected due to blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The department-related parliamentary standing committee on external affairs also questioned the timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Israel, recalling assurances from the foreign secretary that security concerns were not an issue, sources said.
The committee convened to discuss the ongoing conflict in West Asia and its implications for India. The talks were led by chairperson Shashi Tharoor, but foreign secretary Vikram Misri was unable to attend the deliberations due to a prior commitment.
Opposition members at the meeting included John Brittas and Asaduddin Owaisi, while former law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, Aparajita Sarangi, and Sudhanshu Trivedi were present from the ruling side.
According to sources, officials from the ministry of external affairs (MEA) provided a detailed presentation on the region’s background and recent developments. Committee members were briefed on the current situation, including disruptions in maritime movement through the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 22 ships are reportedly stuck in a queue awaiting passage.
Sources told News18 that the MPs raised humanitarian concerns, questioning the delay in addressing reports related to the death of Iran’s supreme leader and the loss of civilian lives, including children. Some asked if the Centre’s stance appeared biased towards Israel, noting that while attacks on that country were condemned, strikes on Iran had not been criticised. One member sought clarity on the status of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the sources said.
The sources said officials briefed the committee on the evolving situation, but MPs pressed for more clarity particularly on the economic impact, potential disruptions to exports, and India’s preparedness for a prolonged conflict. They raised questions about India’s foreign policy position, seeking to understand New Delhi’s stance and if there is a risk of being seen as taking sides as opposed to its traditionally balanced approach.
They said the MPs raised concerns about recent maritime developments, including the response to the reported American strike on the IRIS Dena, and the safety of Indian workers in the region. With India set to host BRICS and the UAE now a member, they questioned if New Delhi is making sufficient diplomatic efforts to push for de-escalation.
The sources further said a background note was shared with MPs that stated the conflict, which began on February 28, has since expanded resulting in significant casualties and extensive damage to infrastructure across West Asia. The MEA issued statements on February 28 and March 7, expressing deep concern and calling for restraint and prioritisation of civilian safety. It also made a statement in both Houses of Parliament on March 9, outlining the central government’s position, they said.
They also said the MPs were told that amid ongoing airstrikes in the Gulf countries, the safety of the Indian community remains the government’s foremost priority. Indian missions across West Asia are working around the clock to assist stranded Indian travellers and short-term visitors.
The government, the MPs were told, is closely monitoring and safeguarding national interests in areas such as energy security and trade flows, while coordinating with various ministries to assess the broader impact on regional stability and economic activity, as per sources.
The West Asia conflict, now in its 18th day, continues to disrupt normal life and economic activity across the region directly affecting at least one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf. Airspace closures have significantly impacted travel to and from the region while flights to India are operational from most locations even as services remain suspended from Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq.
The sources said the MPs were told that the government is facilitating the transit of Indians from these countries via Saudi Arabia, with approximately 2.2 lakh passengers having returned to India from West Asia and the Gulf region since February 28. In addition to the diaspora, a significant number of Indians serve as crew on merchant ships, and recent attacks on these vessels have caused considerable distress among seafarers.
The MPs were told that five Indian nationals were killed in the conflict, while one is missing, as per sources. The mortal remains of two individuals, who died in Oman, have been returned to their families in Jaipur.
The sources told the members that Indian missions in Oman, the UAE, and Iraq are working with local authorities to trace the missing individual and expedite the repatriation of others. Missions across the Gulf continue to issue advisories and operate 24-hour helplines, supported by a dedicated MEA control room, while regular inter-ministerial media briefings keep the public informed about developments and ongoing efforts.
Sources said to all the questions raised by MPs, a written response will be sent to the panel in the next fortnight. Tharoor said a follow-up meeting may not be held immediately due to the upcoming elections, but noted that the foreign secretary could be called for a more detailed briefing in about three weeks.
