New Delhi, March 24 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday, discussing the various aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict and India's strategy.
His address in the Rajya Sabha will echo US President Donald Trump's decision to backtrack on his threat to bomb Iran's power infrastructure by Monday night, stating that negotiations between Iran and the US were "very good and productive" and extending the deadline by five days.
Earlier on Monday, PM Modi addressed the Lok Sabha, highlighting the challenges the country faces due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia, including the impact on Indians living in Gulf nations and the trade and economic consequences of the crisis.
PM Modi stated, "This conflict has also presented unforeseen challenges for India. These challenges are economic, related to national security, and humanitarian. India has extensive trade relations with the countries at war and those affected by it."
Speaking about the impact of the conflict on trade, PM Modi said, "The region where the war is taking place is also a vital route for our trade with other countries. Especially, a large part of our crude oil and gas requirements are met by this region."
He also emphasized that West Asia is important for India as "approximately one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries".
Speaking about the steps taken by the Centre to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians affected by the conflict, PM Modi said, "Since this war began, every Indian in the affected countries has been provided necessary assistance. I have personally spoken over the phone with the heads of state of most West Asian countries in two rounds. All of them have assured full safety for Indians."
He added that over 3,75,000 Indians have safely returned to India from West Asian nations, including 1,000 from Iran, and reaffirmed his government's commitment to providing every possible assistance to those in need.
Earlier on Sunday, PM Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation and ongoing and proposed mitigating measures in the context of the ongoing West Asia conflict.