New Delhi, March 9 India favors a return to dialogue and diplomacy to ensure peace in West Asia, and its overriding priority is the well-being of the Indian community in that region, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told the Lok Sabha on Monday.
Making a suo moto statement in the Lower House, Jaishankar said that national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount for the government.
Speaking amidst loud slogans by opposition MPs demanding a full-fledged discussion on the situation in West Asia, Jaishankar said that developments in the region are a cause of deep concern for "all of us".
The minister, who had addressed the Rajya Sabha earlier in the morning, said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi continues to closely monitor emerging developments, and the relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.
Highlighting the three guiding factors of the government's approach to the West Asia situation, Jaishankar said that India is in favor 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," the external affairs minister said.
"Our national interest, including energy security and trade flows, will always be paramount," Jaishankar said.
Noting that the government had issued a statement earlier on the matter, Jaishankar said, "We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions. It is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries is respected."
He pointed out that the conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.