India Calls for Dialogue, Prioritises Safety of Diaspora Amid West Asia Conflict

India has called for restraint and a return to diplomacy as the conflict in West Asia intensifies, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar outlining the government’s position in the Rajya Sabha on Monday. The minister emphasised that India’s key concerns remain the safety of Indian nationals in the region, energy security, and the need for de-escalation through dialogue.

Making a suo motu statement in Parliament, Jaishankar said the ongoing war has resulted in significant casualties, including at senior leadership levels in Iran. He reiterated that India supports diplomatic engagement and urged all parties involved to exercise restraint and prioritise civilian safety.

Highlighting the government’s response to the crisis, the minister said approximately 67,000 Indian nationals have returned from the region since the conflict began on February 28. He added that the well-being of the Indian diaspora remains a top priority for the government, and India is working closely with regional authorities to ensure their security.

Jaishankar also addressed developments involving Iranian naval vessels in the region. He said Iran had requested permission on February 28 for three ships to dock at Indian ports amid the rising tensions. The request was granted on March 1 as a humanitarian measure, and one of the vessels, IRIS Lavan, was subsequently allowed to dock at Kochi. According to the minister, Iran’s foreign minister expressed gratitude for India’s assistance.

The minister noted that maintaining contact with Iran’s leadership has become difficult due to the evolving conflict, though he has spoken twice with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Despite the challenges, India continues to advocate diplomatic engagement and peaceful resolution.

Jaishankar further emphasised the strategic importance of West Asia for India, noting that the region hosts a large Indian community and remains critical to the country’s energy supplies and trade flows. He stressed that India’s response to the crisis will be guided by its national interests, particularly the protection of citizens abroad and the maintenance of stable energy access.

The statement marks the government’s most detailed response in Parliament since the outbreak of the conflict between Iran and the US-Israel alliance, which has significantly escalated tensions across the region.