"Indian Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and on high alert," says Jaishankar in Rajya Sabha

On the conflict situation in West Asia, EAM Dr S Jaishankar says," The Indian Embassy has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students in Tehran to places outside. Indian nationals in Iran on business were facilitated to cross over to Armenia to return to India. 

Our Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and on high alert. We are committed to supporting the Indian community at this time...".

Opposition members kept on raising slogan while the Minister was making his statement. 

Condemning the ruckus by the Oppostion MPs during EAM's statement in Rajya Sabha on West Asia, Union Health Minister J P Nadda says," With great sadness, I am saying that the Opposition's behaviour is very irresponsible and also condemnable. They have no interest in the country or debate but only in raising anarchy."  

"In view of the implications of this conflict for our energy security, the government remains committed to ensuring that it takes into account the availability, cost and risks of the energy markets. For us, the interest of the Indian consumer is and will always be the overriding priority," the External Affairs Minister said.

 Statement : 

Dr Jaishankar : 

I rise to apprise this august House of recent developments in West Asia that are a cause of deep concern to all of us. As Hon’ble Members are aware, this round of conflict started on 28 February 2026. It has witnessed not only fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, but also attacks on a number of Gulf States. 

There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, as well as destruction of infrastructure in the region.

2. At the very outset, Government had issued a statement on 28 February expressing its deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritize the safety of civilians. We believed and continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues. Sir, it is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected.

3. Given the gravity of the situation, the Cabinet Committee of Security (CCS) met on 01 March under the Chairmanship of the Hon'ble Prime Minister. 

It was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran and the subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries. The CCS was concerned over the safety and security of the Indian community in the region. It also focused on the implications for regional security and for economic and commercial activities. 

The Committee was apprised of difficulties faced by Indian travelers transiting the region and by students appearing for scheduled examinations in these countries. It directed all concerned Ministries and Departments to take appropriate measures to respond to these problems. Hon’ble Prime Minister continues to closely monitor emerging developments and the relevant Ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.

4. The conflict has continued to intensify and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. We have noted that, in fact, the conflict spread to other nations with mounting destruction and deaths. Normal life and economic activities in the entire region are visibly affected and, in some cases, had come to a halt. We, therefore, reiterated our call on 03 March for dialogue and diplomacy and spoke up for an early end to the conflict. I am confident that the House joins me in expressing our sorrow at the loss of lives.

5. Hon’ble Chairman Sir, while any development that negatively impacts peace and security in the world is deeply troubling, this ongoing conflict is an issue of particular concern for India. 

We are a neighbouring region and understandably, have obvious stakes that West Asia remain stable and peaceful. There are almost one crore Indian citizens who live and work in the Gulf nations. 

In Iran too, there are a few thousand Indians who are there for study or for employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas.

6. Chairman Sir, the Gulf is also a major trade partner, accounting for almost USD 200 billion annually. The House is also aware that in the last decade, there have been significant investments from the region into the Indian economy. Therefore, serious supply chain disruptions and climate of instability that we perceive are serious issues. Furthermore, these

 include attacks on merchant shipping where Indian nationals often constitute a large proportion of the crews. We have sadly already lost two Indian mariners and one remains missing in such incidents. I know that the House joins me in condoling their deaths.