Rohit Kumar
NEW DELHI, Mar 25: The Center on Wednesday delivered a clear and reassuring message to the people on the on-going West Asia conflict stating that the overall situation had remained under control and there was no need for panic.
The government’s re-assurance came at an all-party meeting held on Wednesday evening in the Parliament building to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis where it emphasized that India was handling the developments with caution and confidence.
Defense Minister Rajnath Singh chaired the meeting, while External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, along with senior officials, briefed leaders on the latest developments and India’s preparedness. A detailed presentation by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, followed by remarks from Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, highlighted that energy security was stable.
Officials informed that there was sufficient availability of crude oil, LPG, and other essential supplies. India’s refining capacity is strong, ensuring that fuel and fertilizer supplies continue without disruption. Several shipments have already arrived, and more are expected in the coming days.
The government also underlined its active diplomatic engagement with all sides involved in the conflict. It said India was maintaining communication with multiple countries and taking everyone on board to safeguard its interests.
Officials described the continued flow of ships and supplies as a positive sign and called it a diplomatic success. The reopening of access by Iran after a brief pause was also seen as an encouraging development. On the safety front, the government assured that there was no immediate threat to Indian citizens. Indian embassies were actively assisting people abroad, and evacuation plans were ready if needed. The safety and well-being of citizens remain the top priority.
Addressing concerns about regional security, including reports of submarine activity near Sri Lanka, the government clarified that there was no direct threat to India. It added that any such situation would be dealt with firmly.
Several leaders shared their views during the meeting. Asaduddin Owaisi raised concerns related to Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The government responded by stating that diplomatic outreach was initiated as soon as communication channels reopened.
The crisis began after joint strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. The conflict has raised global concerns, especially around fuel supply, trade routes, and regional stability. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier addressed Parliament, warning that the impact of the conflict could be long-lasting. He urged citizens and states to stay prepared for challenges that may arise.
To deal with possible effects of the crisis, the government has formed seven groups to closely monitor areas like fuel supply, fertilisers, and supply chains. The aim is to reduce any negative impact on the country and ensure essential services continue smoothly. The Prime Minister also stressed that state governments would play an important role, especially in supporting poor and vulnerable sections during this period.
Some opposition leaders have questioned the need for a separate meeting. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the issue should be discussed in Parliament instead of a closed-door briefing. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi said he would not be able to attend the meeting due to his prior engagement in Kerala.
The Trinamool Congress leaders have skipped the meeting questioning why a full debate was not being held in Parliament. At the same time, leaders from the ruling side have urged unity, saying this was the time for all parties to come together given the global crisis. The West Asia conflict is already affecting fuel prices and could have a wider impact on the economy. The government is looking to take all parties into confidence and ensure a coordinated response, it said.
The Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju said most political parties attended the all-party meeting, with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) being the only major absentee. “In a way, I also saw a sense of solidarity from all opposition parties,” he added.
Senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar said the meeting was ‘unsatisfactory.’ “An attempt was made to seek clarification from the government, but the meeting was unsatisfactory. It has been our longstanding demand that this issue be debated in both Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha under Rules 193 and 170. Only then will people feel satisfied,” he added.
“The government says it (we do not want war), but what difference does merely saying that make? The reality is that a conflict is already underway. Pakistan, which is smaller than us and weaker in every respect, is today acting as a mediator and playing that role, while we remain silent spectators.”
The government has termed the successful movement of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz a “diplomatic win.” “Because while most of the countries are blocked, India has been able to do that,” a ruling party leader claimed. The government informed leaders that domestic gas production has increased significantly, rising from 28% at the start of the conflict to 60% now. It also said more India-bound ships were expected to pass through the Strait of Hormuz soon.
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