New Delhi, March 24 – Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on Tuesday that as the conflict in West Asia continues to escalate, it is essential that a "unified voice of peace and dialogue" emerges from the Indian Parliament to the entire world.
He said that India's aim is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy.
Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on the ongoing West Asia conflict, PM Modi said, "We are all aware of the West Asia conflict… This conflict has been ongoing for over three years. This has led to an extreme energy crisis in the world. For India, too, this situation is concerning. Due to this war, our trade routes are being affected, and hence, the supply of essential commodities like petrol, diesel, gas, and fertilizers is also being affected."
"Around one crore Indians currently reside in Gulf nations and work there. Their safety is also a matter of concern for India. Several ships with a significant number of Indian crew members are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz; this is also very concerning for India. In these critical circumstances, it is essential that a unified voice of peace and dialogue emerges from this Upper House of the Indian Parliament to the entire world," PM Modi said.
After the conflict started, PM Modi said that he had held two rounds of talks with the heads of state of the major West Asian countries. "We are in constant contact with the Gulf nations, as well as Iran, Israel, and America. Our aim is to restore peace in the region through dialogue and diplomacy," he said.
"We have also talked about de-escalation and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Attacks on commercial ships and closing of Hormuz are unacceptable," he added.
The Prime Minister said that India has condemned attacks on civilians, civil infrastructure, energy facilities, and transport infrastructure.
"In these times of war, India, through diplomacy, is making every possible effort to ensure the safe return of the Indian ships," he said.
"In this war, endangering anyone's life is not in the interest of humanity. Therefore, India's constant effort is to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful solution as soon as possible," he added.