Jaishankar Says 67,000 Indians Returned Amid West Asia Crisis

S. Jaishankar on Monday briefed the Rajya Sabha about the worsening conflict in West Asia, saying the situation has intensified and poses serious concerns for India’s security, energy supplies and citizens living in the region.

Speaking amid sloganeering by Opposition MPs, the External Affairs Minister said the government is closely monitoring developments and coordinating across ministries to respond effectively to the crisis.

He added that Narendra Modi is personally reviewing the situation as tensions continue to escalate across multiple countries in the region.

Conflict Intensifying Across West Asia

Jaishankar said the conflict has expanded beyond initial areas and has significantly deteriorated the security environment in the region.

According to him, the ongoing hostilities have disrupted normal life and economic activities across several countries.

“The conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. The conflict has spread to other countries with mounting destruction. Normal life and activities are visibly affected,” he said.

The minister added that the instability is particularly concerning for India due to its close geographic proximity and strategic interests in the region.

Why is the West Asia conflict a concern for India?

Jaishankar explained that India has major economic and human stakes in the region.

He noted that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf nations, while several thousand Indian citizens are currently in Iran for education or employment.

He also stressed that the region is critical for India’s energy security as many key suppliers of oil and gas are located there.

Serious supply chain disruptions and the growing instability in the region could affect global energy markets and trade routes, he warned.

Indian Government Calls for Dialogue and Restraint

The minister said the Indian government had earlier issued a statement on February 20 expressing deep concern over the situation and urging all parties to exercise restraint.

He reiterated that India believes diplomatic engagement remains the best way to reduce tensions.

“We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” Jaishankar said.

Evacuation Efforts for Indian Nationals

Jaishankar said the government has taken several steps to assist Indian citizens affected by the crisis.

The Indian Embassy in Tehran has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students from vulnerable areas to safer locations.

Indian nationals who were in Iran for business purposes were also assisted in crossing into Armenia so they could return to India safely.

“Our Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and on high alert. We are committed to supporting the Indian community at this time,” the minister said.

How many Indians have returned from West Asia so far?

Jaishankar informed the House that nearly 67,000 Indian nationals had crossed international borders to return home as part of ongoing evacuation efforts.

He added that the government is making every possible effort to help Indians return safely from the conflict-affected region.

Casualties Among Indian Mariners

The External Affairs Minister also confirmed casualties among Indian maritime workers during the conflict.

“We have lost two Indian mariners from merchant shipping, and one remains missing,” he told the Rajya Sabha.

The government is continuing efforts to locate the missing individual and provide support to the affected families.

Iran Thanks India for Humanitarian Gesture

Jaishankar also revealed that diplomatic contacts with Iran remain limited due to the ongoing conflict.

However, he said Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran’s foreign minister, had conveyed appreciation to India for allowing the Iranian warship Lavan to dock at Kochi Port.

The minister described the gesture as a humanitarian step taken during a difficult period.