Monitoring US–Iran Tensions Closely, S Jaishankar Tells Parliament

India's diplomatic stance on the escalating West Asia crisis dominated proceedings as External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar briefed Parliament on Monday during the second phase of the Budget Session. The minister assured both Houses that the government was closely monitoring developments arising from the confrontation involving the United States and Iran and that the safety of Indian citizens remained the top priority.

Addressing the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said the situation in West Asia was of "particular concern" to India given its geographic proximity and strong economic and people-to-people ties with the region. He noted that nearly one crore Indian nationals live and work in Gulf countries, making regional stability crucial for India's strategic and economic interests.

The minister said the government was pursuing a diplomatic approach focused on de-escalation and dialogue. India, he emphasised, continues to advocate restraint and believes that tensions must be resolved through diplomacy. According to Jaishankar, New Delhi has consistently called for peace and the protection of civilians as the conflict unfolds.

Jaishankar also informed lawmakers that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was personally monitoring the situation and that multiple ministries were coordinating efforts to address the crisis. He said the government had issued advisories to Indian nationals in Iran and neighbouring regions and was working through its diplomatic missions to provide assistance wherever necessary.

Providing details on the impact of the conflict, the minister confirmed that India had suffered casualties at sea. Two Indian mariners working in merchant shipping had lost their lives and another remained missing amid the ongoing hostilities in the region.

India's embassies, particularly in Tehran, have been actively assisting citizens facing difficulties due to the conflict. Jaishankar said the Indian mission had facilitated the relocation of several students in Tehran to safer areas. Business travellers who were stranded in Iran were helped to cross into Armenia so they could return to India safely.

The government has also organised special flights to evacuate Indians from vulnerable areas. Jaishankar told Parliament that nearly 67,000 Indian nationals had already been brought back under these arrangements as part of the government's ongoing efforts to ensure citizen safety.

The external affairs minister also addressed questions related to Iranian naval activity in India. He confirmed that Iran had sought permission for three of its naval vessels to dock at Indian ports, a request that New Delhi approved earlier this month. One of the vessels subsequently docked at the southern port city of Kochi on March 4, with its crew accommodated at Indian naval facilities.

Jaishankar described the decision as a carefully considered step taken after evaluating diplomatic and security factors. He said India remains committed to maintaining constructive engagement while ensuring its national interests are protected.

The minister's briefing came in the aftermath of joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, which significantly escalated tensions across West Asia. Iranian forces later launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military installations and Israeli-linked assets in the region.

While Jaishankar emphasised India's diplomatic efforts and support for citizens abroad, his statement triggered strong reactions from opposition parties in Parliament. Several leaders argued that the situation required a full-fledged debate rather than a ministerial statement.