Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged the growing impact of the West Asia conflict on global energy, trade and India’s interests, calling for a collective push towards peace and dialogue.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, the PM said the ongoing war has disrupted key trade routes and affected supplies of essential commodities, even as India steps up diplomatic efforts and focuses on the safety of its citizens in the region.
Top points from PM Modi’s statement in Parliament
- PM Modi said it is essential that “a united voice for peace and dialogue” goes out from India’s Parliament to the world.
- He noted that the conflict has triggered a serious energy crisis, affecting supplies of petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilisers.
- The Prime Minister said key trade routes have been impacted, especially around the Strait of Hormuz.
- Around one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, and their safety remains a major concern.
- PM Modi flagged that many ships are stuck in the Hormuz Strait, with a significant number of Indian crew members on board.
- He said India is in continuous contact with Gulf nations, as well as Iran, Israel, and the United States. “We are in constant contact with the Gulf nations, as well as Iran, Israel and America. Our aim is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.”
- Since the conflict began, PM Modi said he has held multiple rounds of calls with leaders from West Asia.
- Over 3.75 lakh Indians have returned safely since the war began, including more than 1,000 from Iran.
- India is working through diplomatic channels to ensure the safe movement of its ships even amid the conflict. “We have also talked about de-escalation and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and closing Hormuz are unacceptable,” he added.
- “In this war, danger to anyone’s life is not in the interest of humanity,” PM Modi said, stressing that India is urging all sides to resolve the crisis through dialogue.
For India, the challenge is not just geopolitical; it is also about protecting supply chains and millions of citizens caught in the middle of a growing conflict.