00:00As honorable members are aware, this round of conflict started on 28th February, 2026.
00:07It has witnessed not only fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other,
00:14but also attacks on a number of Gulf states.
00:18There have been numerous casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran,
00:23as well as destruction of the government,
00:29and the infrastructure in the region.
00:32At the very outset, government had issued a statement on 28th February,
00:37expressing its deep concern and urging all sides to exercise restraint,
00:43avoid escalation, and prioritize the safety of civilians.
00:48We believe, and we continue to believe,
00:52that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions and address underlying issues.
01:01Sir, it is also imperative that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region be respected.
01:10Given the gravity of the situation,
01:13the Cabinet Committee of Security, CCS,
01:16met on 1 March under the chairmanship of the Honorable Prime Minister.
01:22It was briefed on the airstrikes in Iran
01:25and the subsequent attacks in several Gulf countries.
01:30The CCS was concerned over the safety and security of the Indian community in the region.
01:37It also focused on the implications for regional security and for economic and commercial activities.
01:43The Committee was apprised of difficulties faced by Indian travelers
01:49from visiting the region
01:51and by students
01:53appearing for scheduled examinations in these countries.
01:59It directed all concerned ministries and departments
02:03to take appropriate measures to respond to these problems.
02:06The Honorable Prime Minister continues to closely monitor emerging developments
02:12and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses.
02:18Sir, the conflict has continued to intensify
02:22and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly.
02:28We have noted that, in fact, the conflict has spread to other nations
02:33with mounting destruction and deaths.
02:37Normal life and economic activities in the entire region
02:40are visibly affected
02:42and in some cases have come to a halt.
02:46We have therefore retreated a call on 3 March
02:49for dialogue and diplomacy
02:51and spoke up for an early end to the conflict.
02:54I am confident, Chairman Sir,
02:57for the House joins me
02:58in expressing our sorrow at the loss of lives.
03:03Honorable Chairman Sir,
03:05while any development that negatively impacts peace and security
03:09in the world is deeply troubling,
03:12this ongoing conflict is an issue of particular concern for India.
03:17We are a neighboring region
03:18and understandably have obvious takes
03:22that West Asia remains stable and peaceful.
03:26There are almost one crore,
03:28one crore Indian citizens
03:30who live and work in the Gulf nations.
03:34In Iran too,
03:36there are a few thousand Indians
03:38who are there for study or for employment.
03:43The region is key to our energy security
03:46and includes many important suppliers
03:49of oil and gas.
03:51Chairman Sir,
03:53the Gulf is also a major trade partner
03:55accounting for almost US dollars 200 billion annually.
04:01The House is also aware
04:02that in the last decade
04:03there has been significant investments
04:06from the region into the Indian economy.
04:08therefore serious supply chain disruptions
04:12and climate of instability
04:13that we proceed
04:15are seriously.
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