Home Minister Amit Shah is set to lead an all-party meeting this evening to update political leaders on the developing situation in West Asia. The meeting, scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Parliament complex, will see the participation of five to six ministers, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri will offer insights on the current state of affairs in West Asia during the gathering.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent characterization of the West Asia situation as an “unprecedented crisis” with potentially enduring repercussions has spurred this initiative. The ongoing conflict, now in its fourth week, has disrupted crucial maritime trade routes, especially via the Strait of Hormuz. This disruption has led to increased volatility in global energy markets, sparking concerns about supply chains and inflation.
In response to mounting pressure from opposition parties like the Congress, the government has intensified consultations with political stakeholders. Opposition leaders have been advocating for a comprehensive discussion in Parliament on the West Asia issue. While welcoming the decision to convene an all-party meeting, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, expressed regret over his inability to attend due to a prior commitment in Kerala.
The all-party meeting follows a recent high-level security review chaired by Defense Minister Rajnath Singh, attended by top military officials and security experts. Given the escalating geopolitical tensions and their far-reaching implications, the meeting aims to provide a platform for the government to brief opposition leaders and seek consensus on India’s response to the crisis.
