Bengaluru, Mar 25: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will lead an all-party meeting at 5 PM on Wednesday to discuss the escalating crisis in West Asia. Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and several other ministers will participate in the crucial discussions.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri is set to brief attendees on the situation in the region, which has entered its fourth week, leading to significant disruptions. The conflict, which has particularly affected trade routes through the Strait of Hormuz, intensified after the February 28 joint military strikes by the US and Israel that killed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, aged 86.
In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israeli and US assets across multiple Gulf countries, further disrupting key waterways. The turmoil has severely impacted international energy markets and posed a risk to global economic stability.
Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the need for combined efforts from both the Centre and state governments to tackle the challenges posed by the West Asia conflict. Addressing the Rajya Sabha, he urged a united global voice for peace and dialogue. He also highlighted the severe implications of the conflict on global trade, energy supplies, and the safety of millions of Indian nationals in the Gulf.
PM Modi described the situation as a "major test" for India and called for cooperation from all state governments. He urged states to ensure the timely distribution of benefits from the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana to the most vulnerable populations, including the poor, workers, and migrant laborers affected by the crisis.
The Prime Minister stressed, "In times of crisis, the poor, workers, and migrant companions are most affected. It is crucial that the benefits of the PM Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana reach them on time, and proactive steps should be taken to ease the difficulties of migrant workers wherever they are employed."
This meeting, along with the Prime Minister's call for unified action, reflects India's growing concern over the West Asia situation and its potential impact on domestic and international stability.
