External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar speaking in Rajya Sabha on Monday (March 9, 2026).
| Photo Credit: Special arrangement
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday (March 9, 2026) said India remains in favour of peace, return to dialogue and diplomacy, on the developments in West Asia. India also advocates de-escalation, restraint, and ensuring safety of civilians, he said. Mr. Jaishankar, who was making a suo moto statement on the conflict in Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha on Monday, said the developments in West Asia are a deep cause for concern for all of us, saying we continue to believe dialogue and discussion should be used to resolve all issues.
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He added that the well being and security of the Indian community in the region remains the government’s priority.
The External Affairs Minister said Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor the developments in West Asia. “The government has been assessing situation in West Asia continuously since the conflict broke out,” he said. He added that the Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Mr. Modi, was concerned of the regional conflict and the difficulties faced by Indians in the region and Indian travellers.
The region is important for energy security, oil and gas supply, and the Gulf region is a major trading partner for India, accounting for almost $200 billion annually, Mr. Jaishankar noted.
Mr. Jaishankar said this war is of particular concern to India. “There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations and in Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians, who are there for study and employment. Every effort is being made to bring back Indians stuck in West Asia,” he said.
India has spoken to the Heads of State of all countries in the region, Mr. Jaishankar said. The government has received assurances about the well being of the host governments. India also maintained regular contact with the U.S. via diplomatic channels, he added.
“While attempts have been made, contacts with Iran at the leadership level are obviously difficult at this time. I have, however, spoken to Foreign Minister Araghchi on February 20, 2026 and March 5, 2026. We will continue this high-level conversations in the coming days,” he said.
Mr. Jaishankar also added in the end, “For us, the interest of Indian consumers has and will always be in the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation.”
Published – March 09, 2026 12:01 pm IST
