'India Cannot Become A Dalal Nation Like Pakistan': Jaishankar At All-Party Meet On West Asia Crisis

 

New Delhi : Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Wednesday said the Opposition parties have expressed satisfaction over the steps taken by the government and have shown maturity by asserting at the all-party meeting over the West Asia crisis that they stand by the Centre in such a challenging situation.

Sources said that External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in the meeting that "Pakistan has been mediating between US and Iran even in 1981 and if we say that this (Pakistan mediation now) is a foreign policy failure, it was a failure then also. We are not a 'dalal' country. We do not go around asking countries whether we are of any use to them."

 

Sources also said that responding to criticism that the government was silent on the war and the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Jaishakar said to use the word silence was wrong as the government was talking, commenting and responding.

According to sources, Jaishankar said the Foreign Secretary visited the Iranian embassy on the first day of opening of condolence book and signed it.

"Jaishankar also said the US sanctions on buying Russian oil is nothing new and it happened earlier also," sources said.

 

During the Trump-Modi telephonic conversation, sources quoted Jaishankar as saying that the Prime Minister told the US president that India wants the war to come to an end at the earliest and it was affecting all countries.

He was asked about the tangible benefits of our relationship with US and Israel to which the Minister said that the US is one of the largest partner of India while Israel is technology partner.

Jaishankar also said India's main concern is its one crore-strong diaspora in the Gulf. Most of the ships have crossed Strait of Hormuz while 18 are remaining there, sources added.

To a question on whether India is still part of NAM, Jaishankar said Uganda is the chair at present and it is their decision not to comment on the situation. He said there are difference of opinion among BRICS countries.

Rijiju said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed that the Indian Parliament should rise together in any challenging situation. "The Centre has addressed all queries and confusions in the all-party meeting held in New Delhi over the Middle East conflict, and the Opposition parties thanked the government for calling the meeting," he told reporters.

 

The minister said the members were satisfied after learning that the country has secured four ships of natural gas and crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources said the Opposition told at the meeting that they want a debate under Rule 190 in Parliament on the situation in West Asia. CPI(M) MP John Brittas questioned on economic status, but Jaishankar said his stance was wrong. Jaishankar said more ships are about to arrive through the Strait of Hormuz.

The government said Prime Minister Modi has conveyed to US President Donald Trump that India wants the war to end soon. The Centre refused to comment on AAP MP Sanjay Singh's questions on panic buying.

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave a presentation at the meeting, where the Centre said it doesn't know how long the war will continue.

 

The government informed that domestic production of LPG has now increased from 28% to 60%. Petroleum Minister Hardeep Sing Puri said five more oil tankers are likely to come.

The meeting was attended by eight Union Ministers. Jaishankar also made it clear that since 1981, the United States has been using Pakistan to mediate between Iran and the United States.

The Centre also presented figures at the meeting, stating that 4.2 lakh (approximately 4.27 lakh) Indians have been safely repatriated since the crisis. Eighteen ships carrying Indian crew are stranded in the Strait of Hormuz. Efforts are underway to evacuate all of them. Five ships are on their way.

 

Fertilizer production was also discussed seriously in this meeting. The opposition expressed concern that the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz could impact fertilizer imports, causing harm to farmers.

The government stated that domestic production has been increased and import sources have been diversified. Oil imports from Russia currently account for approximately 20 percent of total imports, which contributes to energy security.

 

The government appealed to all parties for cooperation and said that the safety of Indian citizens, energy security and economic stability are being monitored.

The opposition insisted that India's independent and balanced foreign policy must be maintained. Speaking to ETV Bharat, Samajwadi Party MP Dharmendra Yadav said that the government answered all questions, but the answers were not satisfactory.