Kamal Ghorui
India is focused on securing its energy supplies and protecting its citizens, as the Middle East conflict continues to escalate. Speaking in the Rajya Sabha on Monday, external affairs minister S Jaishankar said that national interest, including energy security will always be top priority and that the government is committed to ensure “that it takes into account the availability, cost and risks of the energy markets.“Speaking about the ongoing tensions in Iran, Jaishankar said that the region is “key to our energy security and includes many important suppliers of oil and gas…serious supply chain disruptions and a climate of instability are serious issues.” Making a suo moto statement, he further said, “the well-being and security of the Indian community is our priority. Our national interest, including energy security, will always be paramount.” Commenting on India’s approach, Jaishankar said that the advocates “peace and return to dialogue and diplomacy,” calling for “de-escalation, restraint and ensuring safety of civilians.” On the recent spike in energy prices following the outbreak of the conflict, triggered by the Iran war, he said that the government is fully focused on maintaining energy security while managing availability, costs, and market risks. “In view of the implications of this conflict for our energy security, the government remains committed to ensuring that it takes into account the availability, cost and risks of the energy markets. For us, the interest of the Indian consumer is and will always be the overriding priority.” Minister Jaishankar further added, “Where required, Indian diplomacy has supported the endeavours of our energy enterprises in this volatile situation,” he added.Recalling earlier warnings, Jaishankar noted that the government had earlier expressed its concerns on February 20, urging all sides to exercise restraint. “Our government had issued a statement on 20th February expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate the tensions,” he said, confirming that India formally expressed concern over the conflict on 28 February 2026.He warned that the geopolitical situation has further deteriorated, with the conflict now affecting neighbouring nations, and reiterated India’s stance that “dialogue and diplomacy are the ways forward for all sides to de-escalate.” Meanwhile, opposition MPs urged for a full debate under Rule 176, calling for a discussion on both energy security and the safety of Indian citizens in the region.
