External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar addressed the Rajya Sabha on Monday and spoke on "The Situation in West Asia" as the second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament begins. EAM Jaishankar stressed the need for "dialogue and diplomacy" to resolve the tensions in the Middle East.

" Our government had issued a statement on 20th February expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” EAM said addressing the Rajya Sabha.

Jaishankar further said that PM Modi is constantly monitoring the situation in the region. "The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses," he said.

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Jaishankar In Rajya Sabha: Top Quotes

" This ongoing conflict is of particular concern to India. We are a neighbouring region, and have obvious stakes that West Asia remains stable”

“There are one crore Indians who live and work in the Gulf nations. In Iran, too, there are a few thousand Indians for study or employment. The region is key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas....Serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability are serious issues."

"The conflict has continued to intensify, and the security situation in the region has deteriorated significantly. The conflict has spread to other countries with mounting destruction. Normal life and activities are visibly affected."

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"We have lost two Indian mariners (merchant shipping), and one remains missing."

"The Indian Embassy has facilitated the relocation of several Indian students in Tehran to places outside. Indian nationals in Iran on business were facilitated to cross over to Armenia to return to India. Our Embassy in Tehran remains fully operational and on high alert."

The statement comes amid growing international attention on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28. In retaliation, Tehran launched counter-strikes targeting American military bases in multiple West Asian countries and Israeli assets across the region.