External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed Parliament on March 9, 2026, emphasizing peace, dialogue, and the safety of Indians amid the West Asia conflict. Opposition demanded discussion but protests disrupted proceedings.
On March 9, 2026, during the second phase of Parliament's Budget Session, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a statement in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha on the West Asia conflict. The conflict began on February 28, 2026, involving Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, with attacks on several Gulf states. Jaishankar stated that India supports peace, dialogue, and diplomacy, advocating de-escalation and civilian safety.
He noted that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations, with a few thousand in Iran for study or employment. The region is crucial for India's energy security, supplying oil and gas, and accounts for almost USD 200 billion in annual trade. The government issued advisories from January 2026, warning against non-essential travel to Iran. After the conflict started, embassies facilitated relocation of students from Tehran, assisted pilgrims, and helped businesspeople cross to Armenia and return home.
Jaishankar said around 67,000 Indians had returned by March 7, with the Civil Aviation Ministry operating special flights. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to leaders in the region, and Jaishankar contacted Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi. The Iranian vessel IRIS Lavan is docked in Kochi, with its crew in Indian naval facilities.
India's three guiding principles are: favoring peace and dialogue, prioritizing the Indian community's well-being, and safeguarding national interests like energy security. Opposition demanded discussion on energy security, but protests led to the Lok Sabha's adjournment. A motion to remove Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is also pending.
Jaishankar emphasized that Indian consumers' interests are the overriding priority, with energy procurement guided by costs, risks, and availability.
