India Prioritizes Safety of Citizens Amid Iran–Israel Conflict: Jaishankar

New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Monday said that the safety of Indian citizens in West Asia is the government’s top priority as the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel continues to escalate.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar said India wants the crisis to be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy, not through war. He stressed that India has always supported peaceful solutions to international conflicts.

The minister said the situation in Gulf countries remains tense, and the government is closely monitoring developments in the region. India has also expressed concern over the loss of lives in the ongoing conflict and appealed to all sides to work towards peace.

Jaishankar noted that the conflict is also affecting daily life and business activities in the region.

To help Indians who may be stranded in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran is actively working to assist and evacuate citizens if needed.

He added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation, and the government has placed all concerned departments on alert.

The minister said the conflict is a serious concern for India, as the country has strong connections with West Asia.

About one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, and thousands of Indian students and workers are currently in Iran.

Jaishankar also pointed out that West Asia is crucial for India’s energy security, as the region supplies a large share of India’s oil and gas needs.

Due to the ongoing conflict, there are concerns about disruptions in supply chains, and the government is keeping a close watch on the situation.