In a significant development amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, with Indian interests also at stake, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday held a key meeting with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan in Parliament.
While the exact details of the discussions were not released, they are understood to have reviewed the situation in West Asia and deliberated on ways to navigate the crisis while ensuring minimal impact on the country.
The meeting also comes days after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian naval frigate in the Indian Ocean. The frigate IRIS Dena was reportedly “unarmed” when it was struck by the US submarine near Sri Lanka. The vessel was returning to Iran after participating in Milan 2026, the International Fleet Review and multilateral exercise organised by India in the Bay of Bengal.
Following the strike, India allowed another Iranian vessel to dock at its ports after Tehran’s request.
Earlier in the day, EAM Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha and informed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally monitoring the ongoing conflict in West Asia.
The minister also confirmed that the government has issued formal advisories to Indian nationals residing in Iran and emphasised that the safety of citizens remains the administration’s primary concern.
“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” Jaishankar stated.
Detailing the broader geopolitical and economic implications, the Union Minister said, “This ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India. We are a neighbouring region, and have obvious stakes that West Asia remains stable.”
He informed the House that the hostilities have now “spread to other countries with mounting destruction,” resulting in a situation where “normal life and activities are visibly affected.”
Reaffirming India’s diplomatic position, Jaishankar reiterated that “dialogue and diplomacy are the ways forward for all sides to de-escalate.”