Newsinc24 Team 
India advocates de-escalation and return to dialogue and diplomacy, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Monday on the widening West Asia conflict, while stressing on respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states in the region. Making a suo moto statement on the crisis that broke out on February 28 when the US and Israel launched military strikes on Iran and Tehran retaliated with attacks of US positions in the region as well as Israel, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar said safety of Indian nationals as well as national interests such as energy security and trade remain top most priority for the government. Amid opposition MPs staging a walkout of the House after they vociferously put across their demand for a discussion on the issue, the minister said the government is closely monitoring the escalating conflict and has taken multiple steps to ensure the safety of Indian nationals in the region and safeguard the country's strategic interests, he said.
VIDEO | Jagadambika Pal, who is chairing LS proceedings, urges opposition to allow Jaishankar to complete his statement on West Asia situation.
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 9, 2026
(Source: Third Party)
(Full video available on https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/FzFhHX1NJa
He said Indian diplomatic missions have assisted citizens with relocation and evacuation efforts, including helping some Indian nationals travel to neighbouring countries such as Armenia for onward return to India. According to the minister, nearly 67,000 Indian nationals have returned from the region so far as the government facilitated additional commercial flights and other travel arrangements amid partial airspace openings.Jaishankar said the government remains committed to protecting India's energy security and economic interests amid the volatile situation.
