Center calls for an all-party meeting as tensions in West Asia escalate

The central government held an all-party meeting on Wednesday to discuss the escalating crisis in West Asia. The move comes amid reports of tensions in the region leading to an LPG crisis and unstable market conditions.Opposition leaders have been attacking the government’s handling of the situation and urging it to convene an all-party meeting at the earliest opportunity. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh on Tuesday slammed the government’s handling of the ongoing conflict in West Asia.Meanwhile, in the Union House, CPI(M) MP John Brittas cited the 2003 parliamentary resolution condemning the Iraq war and urged the government to take a similar stance on Iran. Congress MP Vijay Vasanth also moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha over the shortage of LPG cylinders and alleged pricing irregularities.Prime Minister Narendra Modi Addressing the House of Commons on Tuesday on India’s energy security and the wider implications of the conflict in West Asia.Modi said: “About 100 billion Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Protecting their lives and livelihoods is a matter of great concern to India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, and a large number of Indian crew members are trapped on these ships. This is also a major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is very important for the Indian Upper House to issue a unified voice of peace and dialogue.”Meanwhile, Defense Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday chaired a review meeting with senior military officials, including CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Force Chief Amar Preet Singh and Defense Research and Development Organization Chairman Samir Kamat, to assess India’s defense preparedness amid global and regional security challenges.