India's Three Pillars: Peace, Citizens, Interests in Gulf Conflict

09/03/2026

NEW DELHI, Mar 9: External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar delivered a suo motu statement in Rajya Sabha on March 9, outlining India's response to the West Asia conflict that erupted on February 28, 2026, involving Israel-US strikes on Iran and attacks on Gulf states.

He highlighted the severe impact on nearly one crore Indians in Gulf nations, plus thousands in Iran, noting disruptions to energy security, $200 billion annual trade, and tragic losses, including two Indian mariners killed and one missing from merchant shipping attacks.

The government activated the Cabinet Committee on Security on March 1 under the Prime Minister, issued travel advisories from January, and facilitated evacuations: 67,000 Indians returned via 50 daily inbound flights as of March 9, with embassies providing 24/7 helplines and border assistance from UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait to Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Jaishankar detailed high-level diplomacy—including PM Modi's calls to UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Jordan, and Israel leaders—securing assurances for Indian communities, plus hosting an Iranian vessel IRIS LAVAN in Kochi as a humanitarian gesture.

India advocates de-escalation through dialogue, prioritizes expatriate safety, and safeguards energy/trade interests, with the minister expressing confidence in parliamentary support.