Heated exchange over West Asia crisis in All-Party meeting
Diplomacy debate heats up
New Delhi | Desk: A heated exchange ensued between the ruling dispensation and the opposition during an all-party meeting convened by the Central Government to discuss the ongoing tensions in West Asia and their potential impact on India. During this high-level meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar delivered a strong rebuttal to questions raised by opposition parties regarding Pakistan's growing diplomatic role.
The opposition specifically cornered the government over Pakistan's active involvement in mediating between the United States and Iran, contrasting it with India's perceived 'silence.' Congress leader Mukul Wasnik argued that while the previous UPA government had successfully isolated Pakistan on the global stage following the 26/11 attacks, the country is now carving out a prominent position for itself in global diplomacy.
Countering this argument, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar characterized Pakistan as a 'broker.' Citing historical context, he noted that Pakistan has been playing the role of an intermediary between the U.S. and Iran since as early as 1981. He clarified that India does not chase after nations to engage in such 'brokerage.' Jaishankar also cited the example of the 1971 war, during which Pakistan facilitated dialogue between the United States and China.
During the meeting, the opposition also raised serious questions regarding India's silence on the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as well as the timing of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Tel Aviv. Opposition leaders questioned why the Prime Minister chose to visit Israel just two days before the attacks.
Furthermore, CPI(M) leader John Brittas and AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi accused the government of treating 'silence itself as diplomacy.' They alleged that while India is quick to condemn attacks by Iran, it maintains a studied silence regarding attacks carried out against Iran by the United States and Israel.
Responding to these criticisms, Jaishankar stated that approximately ten million Indians reside in West Asia; therefore, adopting a balanced stance is imperative for safeguarding India's strategic and economic interests. He emphasized that India occupies a unique position and remains capable of engaging in dialogue with all parties involved. It is a direct result of Prime Minister Modi's discussions with Iranian officials that two Indian vessels were allowed to pass safely through the Strait of Hormuz.
On the economic front, Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri assured the nation that India holds a secure strategic petroleum reserve sufficient for 74 days. However, he acknowledged that the duration of the LPG supply cycle has increased from 20 days to 45 days, but stated that the situation would stabilize soon.
The Opposition demanded a White Paper regarding the potential impact on LNG supplies from Qatar. NCP's Supriya Sule questioned the "tangible benefits" derived from standing alongside the US and Israel, while the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha sought clarification on India's commitment to the Non-Aligned Movement. Following the meeting, the Congress and other opposition parties termed the government's responses "unsatisfactory" and demanded a formal discussion on the issue in both Houses of Parliament.
