Jaishankar: Govt. committed to well-being of Indian community in W Asia, protecting cosumer’s energy interests

Emphasising that the ongoing conflict in West Asia is an issue of particular concern for India, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday asserted that the well-being and security of the Indian community is the government’s priority and it will continue to work with countries in the region towards that end.

Making a suo motu statement in Parliament on ‘’The Situation in West Asia’’, he also stated that the government is committed to protecting the interests of the Indian consumer in the backdrop of the implications of this conflict for the country’s energy security.

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“For us, the interests of the Indian consumer has and will always be the overriding priority. Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,’’he added.

Jaishankar noted that the conflict has continued to intensify and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. ‘’We have noted that, in fact, the conflict spread to other nations with mounting destruction and deaths. Normal life and economic activities in the entire region are visibly affected and, in some cases, had come to a halt,’’ he added.

He told Parliament that while any development that negatively impacts peace and security in the world is deeply troubling, this ongoing conflict is an issue of particular concern for India.

‘’We are a neighbouring region and understandably, have obvious stakes that West Asia remain stable and peaceful. There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians who are there for study or for employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas,’’ he added.

The government, the minister said, has been assessing the situation in West Asia continuously since the 12-day war in June 2025.

He also disclosed that an Iranian vessel is currently docked in Kochi. The Iranian side requested permission on 28 February for three ships in the region to dock at Indian ports. This was accorded on 1 March. IRIS LAVAN actually docked on 4 March in Kochi. The crew is currently in Indian naval facilities.

‘’We believe that this was the right thing to do and the Iranian Foreign Minister has expressed his country’s thanks for this humane gesture,’’ he added.

Jaishankar said India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. New Delhi advocates de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians.

The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is India’s priority and it will continue to work with the governments of the region towards that end. He said India’s national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount.