What Did PM Modi Tell President Trump About the West Asia Conflict?

Government's Stance on West Asia Crisis

New Delhi: During an all-party meeting on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed to US President Donald Trump the urgent need to resolve the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasizing its detrimental effects on all parties involved. The government addressed the Opposition's concerns, labeling Pakistan as a 'broker' nation due to its alleged role in mediating the conflict.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar remarked that Pakistan's involvement in mediation is not a new development, as the country has been utilized by the US for this purpose since 1981. He asserted, 'We are not a broker nation,' during the discussions held at the Parliament complex regarding the crisis in West Asia.

The government countered the Opposition's claims of silence on the issue, stating, 'We are actively commenting and responding.' In response to criticisms regarding India's delayed condolences for the Iranian Supreme Leader's death, the government highlighted that the Foreign Secretary promptly visited the Iranian embassy to sign the condolence book.

The government also reassured attendees that its primary focus remains on safeguarding the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and meeting domestic energy requirements, claiming success in these areas thus far.

However, the Opposition deemed the government's responses as 'unsatisfactory' and called for a debate on the West Asia situation in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

Congress leader Tariq Anwar criticized the government, stating that while Pakistan plays the mediator, India remains a 'mute spectator.' He insisted on a debate in the Lok Sabha under rule 193 and in the Rajya Sabha under rule 176.

The meeting included key Union ministers from the Cabinet Committee on Security, such as Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, along with Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri also presented at the gathering.

Opposition leaders present included Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik from Congress, Dharmendra Yadav from the Samajwadi Party, and Sasmit Patra from the Biju Janata Dal (BJD).