The Centre on Wednesday pushed back against Opposition criticism over India’s stance on the ongoing West Asia crisis, with external affairs minister S Jaishankar delivering a pointed remark on Pakistan’s reported role in facilitating talks between the United States and Iran.

At an all-party meeting held in the Parliament complex, Jaishankar said, “We are not a dalaal (Broker) nation,” according to sources cited by PTI. The comment came amid reports suggesting that Pakistan could act as a mediator in the US-Iran conflict, a role that US President Donald Trump is said to have endorsed.

Jaishankar added that there was “nothing new” about Pakistan’s involvement, stating that the country has been “used” by the US since 1981.

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Govt rejects ‘silence’ allegations

Responding to Opposition claims that India had remained quiet on the issue, the government asserted that it had been actively engaging. “We are commenting and responding,” sources quoted the government as saying.

On India’s reaction to developments in Iran, officials maintained that proper diplomatic protocol had been followed. They noted that when the Iranian embassy was opened, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited promptly and signed the condolence book. This was cited as a response to criticism over an alleged delay following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israel strike.

The government also conveyed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had urged President Trump that the war must end soon, highlighting that the conflict is affecting all sides.

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Opposition unconvinced, seeks debate

Opposition leaders, however, described the government’s responses as “unsatisfactory” and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar said Pakistan appeared to be taking on a mediator’s role while “we are still mute spectators.” He demanded a debate in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 176.

The meeting was attended by senior ministers, including Rajnath Singh, Amit Shah, and Nirmala Sitharaman, along with JP Nadda and Kiren Rijiju. Opposition representatives such as Mukul Wasnik, Dharmendra Yadav and Sasmit Patra were also present.