New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi On Monday, he addressed the House of People on the ongoing crisis in West Asia, triggered by a joint US-Israeli attack on Iran on February 28 that plunged the Gulf region into chaos.In his speech, the Prime Minister pointed out that continued explosions and attacks in oil-rich areas have posed serious challenges to the global economy. He also highlighted the large number of Indian nationals in the region and assured that the government would fully support them.He added that the Indian mission has been in touch with the diaspora in the affected areas.
Here are the key quotes from Prime Minister Modi’s speech on West Asia:
- “The crisis in West Asia has had a negative impact on the global economy and people.”
- “The war in West Asia has also brought unprecedented challenges to India.”
- “The situation in West Asia is worrying. In the past two to three weeks, EAM S Jaishankar and Union Minister Hardeep Puri briefed the House of Representatives on the situation. This conflict has been going on for more than three weeks and has seriously affected the global economy and people’s lives. That is why the world urges all parties to resolve it as soon as possible.”
- “India has extensive trading relations with warring and conflict-affected countries. The areas where conflicts occur are also important routes for our trade with the rest of the world, especially for meeting a large part of our crude oil and gas needs. This region is also important to us for another reason.”
- “Nearly ten million Indians live and work in the Gulf countries, commercial ships operate there, and the number of Indian crew members is also very large. For various reasons, India’s concerns are naturally greater. Therefore, it is crucial for Parliament to provide a unified voice and consensus to the world on this crisis.”
- “Since the outbreak of this war, every Indian in the affected countries has received assistance. I have had two rounds of phone calls with the heads of state of most West Asian countries, and they have guaranteed the safety of Indians. In the conflict, some people were killed and some were injured.”
- “Our missions in the affected countries have been working hard to help Indians. Be it Indians working there or tourists who have been there, everyone has been provided with all possible help. Our missions have issued regular announcements. 24/7 outreach rooms and emergency helplines have been set up in India and other affected countries. Through these, all affected people have access to up-to-date information. In times of crisis, the safety of Indians in India and abroad is of utmost importance.”
- “Since the outbreak of the West Asian War, 375,000 Indians have returned home safely.”
- “Since the outbreak of the war, more than 375,000 Indians have returned safely to India. So far, nearly a thousand Indians have returned safely from Iran, and more than 700 of them are medical students.”
- “In view of the current situation, CBSE has canceled the examinations for classes 10 and 12 in schools in the Gulf countries and is taking necessary steps to ensure that the education of students continues without disruption.”
- “Significant quantities of crude oil, natural gas, fertilizers and many essential goods are shipped to India through the Strait of Hormuz route. Ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz has become very challenging since the start of the war.”
- “Despite this, our government is working hard to ensure that the supply of gasoline, diesel and natural gas is not severely affected. As we all know, the country relies on imports for 60% of its LPG demand. Due to the uncertainty of supply, the government is prioritizing domestic LPG consumers.”
- “At the same time, domestic LPG production is also increasing, and efforts are being made to ensure that the national supply of gasoline and diesel remains smooth.”
- “India’s role in diplomacy is clear. From the beginning, we have expressed our deep concern about this conflict. I have personally spoken with all relevant leaders in West Asia. I urge everyone to de-escalate tensions and end this conflict.”
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What do you think is the biggest challenge posed to India by the war in West Asia?
- “India condemns attacks on civilians, energy and transport infrastructure. Attacks on commercial ships and blockades of international waterways such as the Strait of Hormuz are unacceptable. India is continuously working diplomatically to ensure the safe passage of Indian vessels, even in this warlike environment.”
- “India has always stood for human welfare and peace. I reiterate that dialogue and diplomacy are the only solutions to this problem. All our efforts are to reduce tensions and end this conflict. It is not in the interest of humanity to endanger anyone’s life in this war. Therefore, India’s efforts are to encourage all parties to reach a peaceful solution as soon as possible. When such crises arise, some people will try to take advantage of them.”
