S Jaishankar says contacts with Iran at leadership level difficult; ensures energy availability
Jaishankar further highlighted that India is in favour of peace and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Monday addressed the Rajya Sabha on the West Asia conflict, saying that contacts with Iran at the leadership level are difficult at present, while assuring that the government is ensuring energy availability amid concerns over possible scarcity and rising oil prices.
The minister said he has spoken to his Iranian counterpart twice and will continue high-level talks in the coming days.
Jaishankar, in his address, said, “While attempts have been made, contacts with Iran at the leadership level are obviously difficult at this time. I have, however, spoken to Foreign Minister Arakchi on 28 February and 5 March 2026. We will continue these high-level conversations in the coming days.”
“The House will also be interested in the issue of an Iranian vessel that is currently docked in Kochi. The government remains committed to ensuring energy availability, fully taking into account the costs and risks of the energy markets,” he added.
Meanwhile, Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, K. C. Venugopal, Mallikarjun Kharge, LoP Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, and others protested against the government over the West Asia crisis with posters and banners reading, “Gulf burning, oil shock; Indians need leadership, not silence.”
Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, earlier today, while speaking in the Upper House, also requested a discussion on the issue.
Kharge had also moved a notice a day earlier seeking a Short Duration Discussion on a matter of "urgent public importance: “Emerging challenges for India's energy security.”
Jaishankar in his address today highlighted that Indian diplomats have assisted stranded transit passengers in hubs like Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, facilitating international border crossings for Indian nationals, including from United Arab Emirates to Oman and from Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain to Saudi Arabia.
“Wherever there has been a partial opening of airspace, we have approved and undertaken commercial flights, including non-scheduled flights, to enable the return of Indian passengers,” Jaishankar added.
Giving an estimate of Indians who have returned to the country, the minister said that as of yesterday, 67,000 Indian nationals have returned from the war-affected regions, while efforts continue to bring back Indians stranded in West Asia.
Jaishankar further highlighted that India is in favour of peace and urged a return to dialogue and diplomacy.
“We advocate de-escalation, restraint and ensuring the safety of civilians. The well-being and security of the Indian community in the region is our priority. We will continue to work with the governments of the region towards that end. Our national interest, including energy security and trade force, will always be paramount,” he added.
(With Inputs from agencies)
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