From 67,000 Indians returning to Iran warship at Kochi: What Jaishankar told Parliament on West Asia crisis | 10 points

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday informed Parliament that around 67,000 Indian nationals have already returned home from countries affected by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, as the government continues to monitor the situation closely.

Briefing the Rajya Sabha amid disruptions by Opposition members, the minister said the crisis remains a matter of serious concern for India because of the large Indian presence in the region and its importance for energy supplies and trade. He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is personally tracking developments and India has been engaging with several countries in the region to ease tensions.

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Key points made by Jaishankar in Parliament

1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia, with relevant ministries coordinating the government’s response.
2. India had expressed concern earlier over rising tensions, issuing a statement on February 20 urging all sides to show restraint and avoid further escalation.
3. The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by the Prime Minister, has reviewed the situation and discussed challenges faced by Indians living and travelling in the region.
4. About 67,000 Indian nationals have returned home so far, with flights arranged whenever there were temporary openings in regional airspace.
5. Indian embassies across West Asia have issued multiple advisories, including in Israel, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Iraq.
6. The Indian Embassy in Tehran remains operational and has helped relocate Indian students from the Iranian capital to safer places.
7. Indian business travellers in Iran were assisted in leaving the country via Armenia, from where they were able to return to India.
8. India allowed the Iranian naval vessel IRIS Lavan to dock at Kochi port after Tehran requested permission for ships in the region to use Indian ports.
9. According to the minister, Iran thanked India for what he described as a “humane gesture” after the vessel and its crew were allowed to take shelter at Kochi.
10. On energy supplies, Jaishankar said the government is carefully assessing the availability, cost and risks in global markets, adding that protecting the interests of Indian consumers remains the priority.

Jaishankar also said that Prime Minister Modi has spoken with leaders of the UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan and Israel, urging efforts to reduce tensions.

His statement in the House came even as Opposition MPs raised slogans and demanded a detailed discussion on the issue.