In a statement delivered amidst a chorus of opposition protests, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar informed the Rajya Sabha on Monday that the Indian government is bracing for "serious supply chain disruptions" as the war in West Asia spirals. Addressing the House as the Budget session’s second phase got underway, Jaishankar made it clear that while the geopolitical situation is precarious, the protection of the Indian consumer remains the administration's "overriding priority."
The Minister noted that the conflict has intensified significantly over the last few days, posing a direct threat to the global trade flows and energy supplies that India relies upon. "West Asia must remain stable and peaceful," Jaishankar told the chamber, reminding members that the government had urged all sides to show restraint as early as February 20. He stressed that New Delhi is in constant contact with regional partners to monitor the evolving situation, particularly as the "oil shock" begins to rattle international markets.
Apart from direct economic concerns of the situation, Jaishankar noted that India's traditional diplomatic policy is to promote dialogue and diplomacy as the only means of resolving the current crisis and warned that further escalation will put millions of Indians in danger alone in the Gulf and could cause long-term disruption to critical trade routes and energy corridors.
Despite the gravity of the briefing, the proceedings were frequently interrupted by sloganeering from the opposition benches, with many MPs demanding a more thorough debate rather than a solitary ministerial statement. As the House prepares to tackle the financial business of the Budget, the shadow of the regional war looks set to dominate every discussion on inflation and energy costs in the weeks ahead.
Also read: Cong moves suspension notice in RS, LS over West Asia conflict
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