New Delhi, March 25 Prime Minister Narendra Modi has informed US President Donald Trump that the conflict in West Asia must end soon, as it is affecting everyone, the government told the opposition at a meeting on Wednesday, calling Pakistan a "broker" nation due to its alleged role in the conflict.
There is nothing new in Pakistan's efforts to mediate in the matter, as the country has been "used" by the US since 1981, sources quoted External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar as saying.
"We are not a 'broker' nation," Jaishankar reportedly told the attendees of the meeting convened at the Parliament complex to discuss the West Asia crisis.
The government refuted the opposition's claim that New Delhi was silent on the situation, asserting that "we are commenting and responding."
When the Iranian embassy was opened, the Foreign Secretary visited immediately and signed the condolence book, the government told the parties in response to the opposition's claim that India displayed a lack of empathy by not expressing condolences for the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader sooner.
The government also informed the parties that its primary concern is ensuring the safety and security of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region and meeting domestic energy needs.
The government stated that it has been successful in achieving these goals.
However, the opposition said the answers provided during the meeting were "insufficient" and demanded a debate on the West Asia situation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Congress leader Tariq Anwar criticized the government, saying that Pakistan is playing the mediator's role while "we are merely observers."
He stated that a debate should take place in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 176.
All Union ministers, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, represented the government.
Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also attended. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri presented information to the attendees.
Leaders from the Congress (Mukul Wasnik, Sanjay Jha, Srikant Shinde, Sanjay Singh, Aam Aadmi Party's Sanjay Singh, CPI-M's John Brittas, NCP (SP)'s Supriya Sule, Shiv Sena (UBT)'s Arvind Sawant, and AIMIM's Asaduddin Owaisi), Samajwadi Party's Dharmendra Yadav, BJD's Sasmit Patra, and others attended the meeting, which lasted for nearly two hours.
The government conveyed that there is no need for panic as India has sufficient stock, and more crude oil and gas are expected to arrive.
"We have already placed advance orders. Diversification of oil and gas sources has been undertaken, and we are currently procuring from 41 countries," the government told the meeting.
The government highlighted the diplomatic success of four India-bound ships carrying petroleum products having already crossed the Strait of Hormuz, and five more expected to follow soon. It was also reported that 18 India-bound ships were stranded around the Strait of Hormuz.
Regarding the US attack and sinking of an Iranian ship, the government stated that the ship would have been saved if it had been in Indian waters, but unfortunately, it was near Sri Lankan waters.
"We have protected other ships and sailors, which is a gesture of gratitude from Iran," the government told the meeting.
"We have good relations with everyone – the US is our largest trading partner, Israel is our largest technological partner, and we have good relations with Iran as well," it said.
Defence Minister Singh and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also spoke during the meeting.
During the question and answer session, Jaishankar primarily responded to the opposition's queries and concerns. Home Minister Shah also intervened on a few occasions.
Rijiju briefed reporters on the meeting, stating that it was convened at the request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and information was shared about the West Asia crisis.
"Several questions were raised by opposition members regarding the situation arising from the conflict in West Asia, involving Iran, Israel, and the United States – specifically about its impact on India and the steps the government has taken for Indian citizens," he said.
Comprehensive and detailed responses were provided by the government on behalf of the government, Rijiju stated.
"I am satisfied to inform you that all the questions asked by the opposition and the information they sought have been fully addressed by the government," he asserted.
In conclusion, all opposition members stated that in this time of crisis, whatever decisions the government takes and whatever steps are required, they will stand united and support them, he said.
Speaking with reporters, Anwar said that an attempt was made to seek clarification from the government, but the meeting was "unsatisfactory."
"Our longstanding demand is that this issue be debated in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha under Rules 193 and 176. Only then will people feel satisfied... The government says it (we don't want war), but what difference does that make? The reality is that a conflict is already underway. Pakistan, which is smaller and weaker than us, is today acting as a mediator and playing that role, while we remain mere observers," the Congress leader said.
Brittas stated that the opposition parties expressed their disapproval of the government's silence.
"All the opposition leaders who spoke said that the government should have taken a position regarding the unilateral attack by the United States against a sovereign and independent country, Iran. And there have been questions raised about the visit of our Prime Minister to Tel Aviv, and also about the proactive role of Pakistan," Brittas said.
Union Minister Pralhad Joshi said that TMC members from all-party meet on West Asia situation, including Rahul Gandhi, were "highly irresponsible."
"The statements that Rahul Gandhi is making raise serious questions about whether he is genuinely interested in India's interests or in spreading rumours within the country. This has created significant doubt in people's minds. Today, he has even appeared to appreciate Pakistan. At a time when Pakistan is making statements against India, he seems to be lending credibility to them. He should first clarify whether he stands with India or with Pakistan," he said.