MEA Took Diverse Moves to Handle Crises Evolving Due to Recent West Asia Conflict

 

By

Dr. Somita Chakraborty


Considering on going conflict in West Asia, MEA took diverse approaches to response inevitable implications of the situation. In a Suo Motu statement in the Parliament of India (both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar briefed the situation. He informed the Parliament that the conflict already caused numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran. The conflict, which started on 28th February, 2026, already caused severe destruction of infrastructure in the region. He noted that normal life and economic activities in the entire region were not only visibly affected but also, in some cases, have come to a halt.

Dr. Jaishankar informed the Parliament that the fighting is going on mainly between Israel and United States in one side and Iran on the other side, though several other Gulf States already confronted attacks. He also stated that Government of India believe that conflicting countries should pursue dialogue and diplomacy to de-escalate tensions and to address underlying issues. India already expressed its deep concern regarding the safety of civilians. India also strongly believes that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region should be respected. On 12th March, 2026, Prime Minister Modi spoke to the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, H.E. Dr. Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed his concern regarding the safety of the civilians. He also expressed his believe on diplomacy and dialogue. 

Dr. Jaishankar informed the Parliament that considering the gravity of the situation, on 1st March, 2026 the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) met under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister. The CCS was worried over the safety of security of the Indian community in the region as well as Indian travelers and students transiting the region. The CCS also expressed concern regarding the implications of the conflict on regional security as well as on economic and commercial activities. Dr. Jaishankar stated that Hon’ble Prime Minister along with all the concerned Ministries and Departments are coordinating and monitoring emerging developments to ensure effective responses.

Explaining to the Parliament the importance as well as implications of ongoing conflict in West Asia for India, Dr. Jaishankar stated, India need stability and peace in the region for its own sake. According to data, around one crore Indian citizens live and work in the Gulf nations. India-Gulf States trade has reached around USD 200 billion. Moreover, the region is the key to India’s energy security. India also received major investments from this region. The ongoing conflict therefore, could bring severe supply chain disruption as well as instability. Beside that, a large number of Indian nationals works in merchant shipping as crews. Attacks on merchant shipping as war strategy, therefore, could bring grave consequences for Indian crews. India already condemned attacks on India bound ships or on other ships and loss of life of innocent crews, including Indian crew members. MEA and other ministries and departments of Government of India and different Indian Embassy located in the region already issued several advisories, regarding safety and security of Indian citizens and seafarers now in the conflict zone due to various reasons. Dr. Jaishankar also informed the House that Ministry of Civil Aviation also working hard to bring back Indians stranded in the conflict zone.

Dr. Jaishankar said, since the beginning of the crisis, Hon’ble Prime Minister Mr. Modi has personally spoken to leaders of all the relevant countries, they are, the President of UAE, the Amir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, the Crown Prince of Kuwait, the King of Bahrain, the Sultan of Oman, the King of Jordan and the Prime Minister of Israel. Dr. Jaishankar himself also maintained close contacts with his counterparts in these countries. All of them assured about the well-being of the Indian community leaving there.

In case of the USA, India is maintaining contacts with various diplomatic channels. Regarding Iran, Dr. Jaishankar said, considering the situation it is difficult to contacts with the Iran leadership now, but he spoke to Foreign Minister Araghchi on 28th of February and 5th of March. He also assured the Parliament to continue these high-level conversations in the coming days. A few days later MEA in a media briefing confirmed that External Affairs Minister and Foreign Minister of Iran have had three conversations in the recent days and the last one discussed issue related to safety of shipping and India's energy security. The EAM also stated that an Iranian vessel ‘IRIS LAVAN’ is currently docked at Kochi, after the Iranian side requested permission. The Iranian Foreign Minister also expressed thanks for this humane gesture.

The EAM also informed the House about India’s commitment to give priority to Indian consumers and ensure energy security. He also summarized India’s approach regarding the crisis in three points, they are, (1) 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. (2) 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. (3) Our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount.

Moreover, according to recent MEA briefing India co-sponsored the GCC-led resolution at the UN Security Council. At the same time, on 5th March, 2026, which was the first day of the opening of the Condolence book at the Iranian Embassy for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, Indian Foreign Secretary signed the condolence book on behalf of the Government of India.  

For detail

Suo Motu Statement by EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar in Lok Sabha on "The Situation in West Asia" (March 09, 2026)

https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/40864/Suo_Motu_Statement_by_EAM_Dr_S_Jaishankar_in_Lok_Sabha_on_The_Situation_in_West_Asia_March_09_2026

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi speaks with the President of Iran

https://www.mea.gov.in/press-releases.htm?dtl/40886/Prime_Minister_Shri_Narendra_Modi_speaks_with_the_President_of_Iran

A statement regarding ship bound for Kandla, India

 https://www.mea.gov.in/Speeches-Statements.htm?dtl/40865/A_statement_regarding_ship_bound_for_Kandla_India

Transcript of Weekly Media Briefing by the Official Spokesperson (March 12, 2026)

https://www.mea.gov.in/media-briefings.htm?dtl/40884/Transcript_of_Weekly_Media_Briefing_by_the_Official_Spokesperson_March_12_2026

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