New Delhi: A parliamentary panel on external affairs, chaired by Shashi Tharoor, on Wednesday expressed serious concerns over the escalating conflict in West Asia and its potential implications for India, particularly in light of disruptions to energy supplies caused by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
The Department-related Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs convened to review the evolving situation and assess its economic, strategic, and humanitarian consequences. According to sources, the panel also questioned the timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Israel, recalling earlier assurances from the Foreign Secretary that security concerns were not an issue.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri was unable to attend the meeting due to prior commitments. Members present included opposition leaders such as John Brittas and Asaduddin Owaisi, alongside ruling party representatives including Ravi Shankar Prasad, Aparajita Sarangi, and Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Concerns Over Energy, Economy, and Foreign Policy
Officials from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provided a detailed briefing on the conflict and its regional implications. Members were informed of disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, where approximately 22 vessels are reportedly awaiting passage.
Panel members raised pressing concerns regarding the potential economic fallout, including disruptions to exports, energy security risks, and India’s preparedness for a prolonged conflict. Questions were also raised about New Delhi’s foreign policy stance, with some MPs seeking clarity on whether India risks being perceived as deviating from its traditionally balanced diplomatic approach.
Humanitarian and Strategic Questions
Sources indicated that several MPs voiced humanitarian concerns, particularly regarding civilian casualties in the conflict, including children. Some members questioned whether the Centre’s response appeared selectively critical, noting that while attacks on Israel were condemned, strikes on Iran had not received similar censure. Clarifications were also sought regarding the status of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The panel also discussed maritime security developments, including reports of an American strike on the IRIS Dena, and raised concerns about the safety of Indian nationals working across the region.
With India set to host the BRICS summit and the UAE now a member, MPs questioned whether sufficient diplomatic efforts were being made to promote de-escalation.
Impact on Indian Nationals and Evacuation Efforts
According to the MEA briefing, the conflict—ongoing since February 28—has resulted in significant casualties and widespread infrastructure damage across West Asia. The government reiterated that the safety of Indian nationals remains its top priority.
Approximately one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf region have been directly affected. Airspace closures have disrupted travel, with flights suspended from countries such as Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, although services from other locations remain operational.
The government has facilitated the return of nearly 2.2 lakh भारतीय passengers from West Asia and the Gulf since the onset of the conflict, with transit arrangements being coordinated through Saudi Arabia.
In addition to the diaspora, a significant number of Indians serve as crew members on merchant vessels, and recent attacks on shipping have heightened concerns among seafarers.
Officials informed the panel that five Indian nationals have lost their lives in the conflict, while one individual remains missing. The mortal remains of two victims, who died in Oman, have been repatriated to their families in Jaipur.
Indian missions in Oman, the United Arab Emirates, and Iraq are actively coordinating with local authorities to trace the missing individual and expedite further repatriations. Missions across the region continue to issue advisories and operate 24-hour helplines, supported by a dedicated MEA control room.
Next Steps
Sources indicated that detailed written responses to the issues raised by MPs will be submitted to the panel within the next fortnight. While a follow-up meeting is unlikely in the immediate term due to upcoming elections, Tharoor noted that the Foreign Secretary may be invited for a more comprehensive briefing in the coming weeks.
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