The government has scheduled an all-party meeting on Wednesday to update political leaders on the unfolding crisis in West Asia. Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at 5 pm in the Parliament complex, the meeting will feature External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefing party leaders on the latest developments and India’s diplomatic stance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has termed the situation in West Asia as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially enduring repercussions during his addresses in both Houses of Parliament.
The conflict in West Asia, now in its fourth week, has disrupted crucial maritime trade routes, especially through the Strait of Hormuz. This has led to increased volatility in global energy markets and raised concerns about supply chains and inflation, prompting the government to intensify consultations with political stakeholders. Opposition parties, including the Congress, have been urging for a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on the issue. In the Rajya Sabha, Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge criticized the government’s choice of a briefing over a full debate, emphasizing the need for a thorough discussion given the gravity of the situation.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticized the government, alleging that India’s foreign policy is influenced by personal considerations rather than national interest. While appreciating the decision to convene an all-party meeting, Gandhi mentioned his inability to attend due to a prior commitment in Kerala. The all-party meeting follows a recent high-level security review chaired by Rajnath Singh, attended by top defense officials, to evaluate the evolving regional scenario.
As geopolitical tensions rise and their global impact grows more evident, the all-party meeting is anticipated to provide a crucial platform for the government to update opposition leaders and seek broader political consensus on India’s response to the crisis.
