The Indian National Congress on Friday called for a short‑duration discussion in Parliament on the escalating West Asian conflict, asserting that a mere government statement would be insufficient to address the situation’s severity and its repercussions for India. The appeal comes ahead of the second phase of the Budget session, which is scheduled to begin on March 9 and run through April 2.

Senior Congress Leader Jairam Ramesh, General Secretary in charge of communications, argued that Parliament must be given a platform for open debate on the turmoil triggered by recent military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran and the ensuing retaliation by Iranian forces across the Gulf region. He emphasised that a formal discussion would ensure lawmakers from across parties could raise questions, express concerns, and seek government clarifications — something he said would not be possible through a suo motu statement alone.

Ramesh criticised the government’s foreign policy approach, alleging that India’s global standing has weakened and that it appears to be playing “second fiddle” to both Washington and Tel Aviv. He used a cricketing analogy to describe the situation, asserting the government was on a “sticky wicket” amid diplomatic pressures — including issues related to energy imports and trade negotiations with the United States.

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The Congress has also highlighted the economic and human impact of the conflict on India. With nearly 10 million Indian expatriates living and working in West Asia and remittances of roughly $50–60 billion annually, the party maintains that the Parliament must deliberate on the safety, security, and economic welfare of these citizens as part of any meaningful discussion on the crisis.

Opposition figures like Sonia Gandhi and other leaders have similarly called for a broader debate on foreign policy “dissonance” and the government’s response to events such as the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. They argue that these developments signal a need for clarity and parliamentary oversight of India’s diplomatic posture.

The Indian government, for its part, has urged restraint in the region and maintained that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to resolving conflicts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently spoke with Israeli leadership, emphasising civilian safety and the need for de‑escalation as part of India’s position.

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