All Union ministers part of the Cabinet Committee on Security -- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman -- are representing the government
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has conveyed to US President Donald Trump that the war in West Asia must end soon, as it is hurting everyone, the government told an up-in-arms Opposition at an all-party meeting on Wednesday and rubbished Pakistan's reported mediation in the conflict, saying India is not a "dalaal" (broker) nation. During the meeting, chaired by defence minister Rajnath Singh, the government informed the parties that it is in control of the situation with regard to oil reserves and LPG storage and there is no need to panic.
There is nothing new in Pakistan's mediation efforts in the matter, as that country has been "used" by the US since 1981, sources quoted external affairs minister S. Jaishankar as saying. "We are not a dalaal nation," the foreign minister is said to have told the attendees of the meeting convened at the Parliament complex to discuss the West Asia crisis.
The sources added that the government refuted the Opposition's charge that New Delhi has been silent on the situation, asserting that "we are commenting and responding".
When the Iranian embassy was opened, the foreign secretary visited immediately and signed the condolence book, the government told the parties in response to the Opposition's charge that India displayed moral weakness in not condoling the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sooner.
The government is also said to have informed the parties that the government's prime concern is ensuring the security of the Indian diaspora living in the Gulf region and fulfilling domestic energy needs. On that count, the government said it has been successful so far.
The government termed the successful movement of Indian vessels through the Strait of Hormuz a diplomatic win while adding more ships are going to cross over this zone in the coming days.
Briefing on the issues of LPG, CNG, petroleum products etc, petroleum minister Hardeep Singh Puri assured the MPs about sufficient stock to cater to the domestic demand. He said because of the panic situation, there were few instances of black marketing leading to shortage, but things are being streamlined for a steady supply of fuel. The minister said that India is in talks with other countries for energy needs and more oil shipments will arrive soon.
Besides Mr Singh, Mr Jaishankar and Mr Puri, Union home minister Amit Shah, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman, health minister J.P. Nadda and parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju also attended the meeting. Foreign secretary Vikram Misri made a presentation before the MPs.
Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi did not attend the meeting due to his pre-planned tour to Kerala. Barring the Trinamul Congress MPs, members of all parties attended the meeting. TMC boycotted the meeting, saying there was no need for an all-party meeting when the Parliament session is on and the government should face the Opposition in the Houses.
Briefing the media after the meeting, Mr Rijiju said, "All party leaders shared information and expressed their concerns. The Opposition members asked many questions about how the situation in West Asia, arising from the conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States, will impact India. And what steps the government has taken for the Indian people."
"The government responded comprehensively and thoroughly. I feel satisfied in telling you that the government has answered all the questions asked by the entire Opposition. Finally, all the Opposition colleagues have said that in this hour of crisis, whatever decision the government takes, whatever steps it takes according to the prevailing situation, everyone will support it unitedly... I believe that whatever was demanded by the Opposition that such information should be given, the government has given adequate information today," the parliamentary affairs minister said.
The Opposition, however, said the answers provided at the meeting by the government were "unsatisfactory" and demanded that a debate be held on the West Asia situation in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
Congress MP Tariq Anwar termed the meeting unsatisfactory. "The government is not saying anything. What will happen if the government says anything? But the reality is that the war is going on. And Pakistan, which is a smaller country than us and is weaker than us in every way, is becoming a mediator today. And is playing the role of a mediator..." he said.
CPI(M) MP Mr John Brittas said that the government assured the Opposition that everything is fine, there are enough supplies of oil, petroleum products, LNG, LPG, etc., and there have been negotiations with the Iranian side for the smooth sailing of the ships.
“The government also assured that India is taking proactive measures in talking to all the countries and stakeholders and wishes that the war ends soon. Nevertheless, the Opposition parties expressed their disapproval of the government's silence,” said Mr Brittas. He added the government should have taken a position with regard to the unilateral attack against a sovereign independent country Iran by the United States.
“There have been questions raised with regard to the visit of our Prime Minister to Tel Aviv, and also there were certain questions about the proactive role of Pakistan. The government responded to all the concerns…” Mr Brittas said.
“We asked what the need was to visit Israel two days prior to the war… The government knew that 70 per cent of the energy needs are fulfilled by supplies from the Strait of Hormuz, so what was the need to become a party? They answered..." said Aam Aadmi Party’s Sanjay Singh.
