India energy security: Kharge seeks Rajya Sabha discussion amid Israel-Iran war

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge has written to Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan, urging an early short-duration discussion on India's energy security amid the Israel-Iran war. He cited the issue's national importance and referred to recent rises in domestic LPG cylinder prices and higher commercial gas rates as immediate concerns.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge wrote to Rajya Sabha Chairman C P Radhakrishnan on Monday. Mallikarjun Kharge repeated a demand for an immediate short-duration discussion. The topic was India’s energy security amid the Israel-Iran war. Mallikarjun Kharge asked that the House take up the matter quickly.

In the letter, Mallikarjun Kharge referred to the earlier request raised in the House. Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, "I am grateful to you for permitting me to raise, on behalf of the entire Opposition, the demand for a Short Duration Discussion under Rule 176 on the subject Emerging Challenges for Indias Energy Security.\" Mallikarjun Kharge added that C P Radhakrishnan had said a response would follow.

India energy security and Rule 176 discussion demand

In the same message, Mallikarjun Kharge underlined the need for quick action. Mallikarjun Kharge wrote, \"During the proceedings, you had kindly indicated that you would get back to us regarding this demand.\" Mallikarjun Kharge also said, \"In view of the urgency and national importance of the issue, I would respectfully request that the matter may kindly be taken up at the earliest.\"

Earlier on Monday, Mallikarjun Kharge also raised the issue when the Rajya Sabha met. Mallikarjun Kharge sought a short-duration discussion on emerging energy risks. Mallikarjun Kharge linked the request to the West Asia conflict. Mallikarjun Kharge cited fuel price pressures to support the notice.

Mallikarjun Kharge listed recent LPG price changes in the House. Mallikarjun Kharge mentioned a Rs 60-per-cylinder rise in domestic cooking gas prices. Mallikarjun Kharge also noted a Rs 115 increase in commercial gas rates. Mallikarjun Kharge said, \"The cooking gas price increase has burdened the poor.\" Mallikarjun Kharge added, \"Therefore, I urge you to please allow a short-duration discussion on this important subject.\"

India energy security risks from West Asia conflict

Mallikarjun Kharge said the West Asia situation was changing fast. Mallikarjun Kharge said the crisis was no longer limited to the region. Mallikarjun Kharge said the effects were visible on India’s energy security. Mallikarjun Kharge also said the conflict was impacting India’s image and prestige.

Mallikarjun Kharge pointed to India’s reliance on crude oil supplies from the region. Mallikarjun Kharge said India imports about 55 per cent of crude needs there. Mallikarjun Kharge said the conflict was directly affecting economic stability. Mallikarjun Kharge also noted that about 1 crore Indians work there.

Mallikarjun Kharge referred to reports linked to the ongoing conflict. Mallikarjun Kharge said there were reports of some Indians being killed or missing. Mallikarjun Kharge also highlighted financial links with the Gulf. Mallikarjun Kharge said India received about USD 51 billion in remittances from Gulf countries.

India energy security debate and Jaishankar statement in Rajya Sabha

Mallikarjun Kharge made the submission shortly before External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke. S Jaishankar delivered a suo motu statement on West Asia. The Congress and other opposition parties objected at that point. They said a short-duration discussion should come before such a statement.

During S Jaishankar’s statement, opposition members raised slogans in the House. The protest continued as the statement went on. The Congress and other opposition parties then staged a walkout. They left near the end of the statement, while demanding the discussion on India’s energy security.

With inputs from PTI