New Delhi, March 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the Rajya Sabha today regarding various aspects of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and India’s strategic response.
His speech comes at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump has backed away from threats to bomb Iran’s power infrastructure, stating that “very good” discussions are ongoing between Iran and the U.S., and extending the deadline by five days.
Earlier on Monday, Prime Minister Modi spoke in the Lok Sabha about the challenges posed by the conflict in the Middle East, highlighting its impact on Indians living in Gulf countries and the economic repercussions for the nation.
He stated, “This conflict has presented unexpected challenges for India. These challenges are economic, related to national security, and humanitarian. India has extensive trade relations with war-torn and affected countries.”
Discussing the impact of the conflict on trade, Modi noted, “The region where the war is taking place is also a vital route for our trade with other countries. A significant portion of our crude oil and gas needs is met from this region.”
He emphasized the importance of the Middle East for India, as “approximately one million Indians live and work in Gulf countries.”
Regarding the steps taken by the government to ensure the safety and welfare of Indians affected by the conflict, Modi mentioned, “Since the war began, every Indian in the impacted countries has been provided necessary assistance. I have personally spoken to the heads of state of most Middle Eastern countries in two rounds. They have assured the complete safety of Indians.”
He added that over 375,000 Indians have safely returned to India from the Middle East, including 1,000 from Iran, reaffirming the government’s commitment to assist those in need.
On Sunday, Prime Minister Modi chaired a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) to review the situation in the context of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and discuss existing and proposed mitigation measures.
Leave a Comment