The Union government is scheduled to hold an all-party meeting at 5 pm today, during which it will brief political parties about the prevailing situation in West Asia and India’s response. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is likely to chair the all-party meeting, and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar is expected to attend it, reports suggest.
The all-party meeting comes at a time when tensions are running high in West Asia, which have resulted in disruptions in major shipping lanes, including the Strait of Hormuz, and concerns about the safety of Indian citizens in Gulf countries.
Contingency plans regarding fuel, fertilisers, and other essential items are expected to be briefed at the all-party meeting. The government is also expected to brief parties about the steps it has taken so far regarding the prevailing situation and its economic impact.
Series of high-level reviews
The all-party outreach follows a series of high-level meetings chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Cabinet Committee on Security recently reviewed the crisis and directed the formation of dedicated groups of ministers and secretaries to handle emerging challenges.
Previous meetings have also seen Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chair the Defence Review Meeting, where the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan, the chiefs of the three forces, and other officials, including the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) Chairman Dr Samir Kamat, were present.
PM calls for unity in Parliament
In his recent addresses to both Houses of Parliament, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pointed out the long-term nature of the crisis, also urging the opposition to come together to face the issue. He has also pointed out that the presence of almost one crore Indians living and working in the Gulf has direct implications for the stability of the region..
He has also informed the Houses of Parliament that seven empowered groups have been constituted to deal with issues including fuel, logistics, and supply chains.
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Rahul Gandhi to skip meeting
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, said he will not attend the meeting due to a prior engagement in Kerala. The Congress has earlier criticised the Prime Minister’s statement on the crisis.
On March 24, Modi spoke with US President Donald Trump, emphasising the need for de-escalation and ensuring secure access to the Strait of Hormuz. India has reiterated its call for peace and stability as the conflict enters its fourth week, with global trade and energy markets under strain.
