NEW DELHI: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told Parliament on Monday that as India favours a return to dialogue and diplomacy to restore stability in West Asia, its response to the escalating conflict is guided by three core principles -- peace, de-escalation, and safeguarding national interests.
He added that the well-being and security of the Indian community in the region remains the government’s overriding priority.
Making a suo motu statement in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said the ongoing crisis, which erupted on February 28, has already escalated into one of the most dangerous confrontations the region has seen in decades.
Hostilities between Israel and the United States on one side, and Iran on the other, have spread to multiple Gulf states, causing casualties at the leadership level in Iran and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
“This round of conflict started on 28 February 2026. There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, as well as destruction of infrastructure in the region,” he said.
“We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. It is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected,” he noted.
The minister’s statement on the West Asia crisis was met with Opposition protests demanding a full debate in both Houses.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju in Lok Sabha accused the opposition of flouting House ethics, noting that while their notice to remove Speaker Om Birla had been accepted and was on the agenda, their disruptions were preventing proceedings.
Jaishankar outlined India’s three guiding principles in navigating the crisis. "India is in favour of peace and urges a return to dialogue and diplomacy. We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians," he said.
“The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our overriding priority. We will continue to work with the governments of the region towards that end. And our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount.”
The conflict carries profound implications for India. Nearly one crore Indians live and work across the Gulf, while thousands of students and professionals remain in Iran.
The Gulf region also underpins India’s energy security and accounts for almost 200 billion dollars in annual trade. "Any disruption to shipping, energy flows, or commercial activity could quickly impact the Indian economy," the minister pointed out.
The Cabinet Committee on Security, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, met on March 1 to review the evolving situation.
Indian missions have issued repeated advisories, facilitated the relocation of students and pilgrims, and coordinated the return of tens of thousands of citizens through commercial and special flights.
“Our diplomats are working hard to assist stranded transit passengers in hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi,” Jaishankar said.
“The Ministry of External Affairs has set up a dedicated control room to monitor developments and respond to queries from affected families,” he said.
Jaishankar continues high-level diplomatic contacts with regional counterparts, including Iran, as India seeks to balance humanitarian, economic, and strategic priorities amid a rapidly intensifying conflict.
