India is closely monitoring the evolving crude oil situation and the worsening security environment in West Asia as regional tensions escalate, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar told the Rajya Sabha on Monday. He stressed that the ongoing crisis must ultimately be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.
Addressing lawmakers on the first day of the second phase of the Budget Session of the Parliament of India, Jaishankar said the government is carefully tracking developments as the conflict in West Asia intensifies.
“We are monitoring developments very closely,” Jaishankar told members of the Upper House, noting that the security situation across the region has deteriorated significantly in recent weeks.
India urges diplomacy to resolve West Asia tensions
The minister said the escalating conflict has begun to disrupt everyday life and economic activity across the region. According to him, the instability is already affecting normal operations in several countries.
“Normal life and economic activities in the region have also been affected,” he said while explaining India’s position on the crisis.
Reiterating New Delhi’s stance, Jaishankar said India continues to push for diplomatic engagement to prevent further escalation.
“We believe and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be encouraged to resolve matters in the Middle East,” he told the House.
The minister’s comments come at a time when global concerns are rising about the impact of the conflict on energy markets and international trade.
Concerns over crude oil supply
India, one of the world’s largest importers of crude oil, relies heavily on supplies from the Middle East. Jaishankar said the government is alert to possible disruptions in energy supply chains as hostilities continue in the region.
He emphasized that instability in West Asia could affect global oil prices and supply routes, which would have direct implications for India’s energy security.
“The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas,” Jaishankar said.
He warned that any major disruption in supply chains or continued instability could pose serious challenges for global markets as well as for India’s economy.
Large Indian diaspora in the region
Another key concern for New Delhi is the safety of the large Indian community living across West Asia. Jaishankar told lawmakers that nearly one crore Indians currently reside in the region for work and other purposes.
The minister said ensuring the safety and well-being of these citizens remains a top priority for the government.
“We want West Asia to remain stable and peaceful,” Jaishankar said, adding that India has deep economic and human ties with the region.
Indians currently in Iran
Jaishankar also informed Parliament that several thousand Indians are currently in Iran, mainly for education and employment. The government, he said, is keeping a close watch on the situation to ensure their safety.
The remarks come amid growing international concern that the ongoing conflict could widen further and affect multiple countries in the region.
According to Jaishankar, the fighting has already spread beyond its initial areas and has caused widespread destruction.
“The conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly,” he said.
He added that in some areas normal life has come to a complete halt due to the ongoing hostilities.
India calls for early end to the conflict
The minister said India had already reiterated its diplomatic position earlier this month. On March 3, New Delhi once again called for dialogue and diplomacy to bring the conflict to an early end.
Jaishankar also expressed condolences over the loss of lives caused by the ongoing violence.
“I am confident the House joins me in expressing our sorrow at the loss of lives,” he said.
India’s national interests remain priority
Reaffirming the government’s approach, Jaishankar said India’s national interests—especially energy security and the protection of Indian citizens abroad—remain central to its response to the crisis.
“The well-being and security of the Indian community is our priority. Our national interest, including energy security, will always be paramount,” he said.
The minister also revealed that the government recently received a request from Iran related to maritime logistics. According to Jaishankar, the Iranian side had sought permission for three ships to dock in India, and the government assessed the request in line with national interests.
With tensions in West Asia continuing to rise, India has maintained its call for restraint, diplomatic engagement, and efforts to stabilize the region.
