All-Party Meeting on West Asia Crisis Led by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh
An all-party meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has begun to discuss the ongoing crisis in West Asia. Key leaders from various political parties are present, focusing on the potential economic and strategic impacts on India, including oil supply and regional security. While some parties are participating, others, like the Trinamool Congress, have opted out, highlighting political divisions on foreign policy. Rahul Gandhi has criticized the government's approach, calling for more transparency regarding the situation in West Asia. This meeting aims to address significant concerns amid international uncertainties.
Mar 25, 2026, 18:24 IST
Commencement of All-Party Meeting
An all-party meeting concerning the crisis in West Asia has commenced under the leadership of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh. Key figures in attendance include Home Minister Amit Shah, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Puri, and Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Leaders from various parties, such as BJD's Sasmit Patra, JD(U)'s Lallan Singh, Mukul Wasnik from Congress, SP's Tariq Anwar, Dharmendra Yadav, and CPI(M)'s John Brittas, have also arrived for the meeting.
Focus of the Discussion
The primary focus of this discussion revolves around the potential economic and strategic impacts on India, which include oil supply, essential services, and regional security. While several political parties are participating in the meeting, some opposition leaders have opted not to attend, reflecting their differences on foreign policy during this time of international uncertainty. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh is presiding over the meeting, which has seen attendance from leaders across multiple parties. The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has chosen to boycott the meeting, while Rahul Gandhi, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, stated on March 24 that he would be unable to attend due to a prior commitment in Kerala.
Criticism of Government's Foreign Policy
Rahul Gandhi has criticized the central government's foreign policy, urging for greater transparency regarding the developments in West Asia and their implications for India. Leaders present at the meeting include Sasmit Patra (BJD), Lallan Singh and Sanjay Jha (JD-U), Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik (Congress), and John Brittas (CPI-M). External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri have also arrived at the venue.