Kamal Ghorui
NEW DELHI: External affairs minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday told leaders at the all-party meeting that India does not see itself as a “dalaal” (broker) like Pakistan, amid growing reports of mediation efforts in the ongoing Iran conflict, news agency PTI reported quoting sources.The remarks came as multiple countries, including Pakistan, Turkey have stepped up efforts to act as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
There is nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the matter as that country has been “used” by the US since 1981, PTI sources quoted S Jaishankar as saying. “We are not a dalaal nation,” Jaishankar is said to have told the attendees of the meeting convened at the Parliament complex to discuss the Middle East crisis.Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed to US President Donald Trump that the war in West Asia must end soon as it is affecting all sides, the government told Opposition leaders during the meeting, reiterating its position on de-escalation.Responding to Opposition criticism, the government rejected the charge that New Delhi was silent on the crisis, asserting that “we are commenting and responding”. It also pointed to diplomatic outreach, noting that when the Iran embassy was opened, the Foreign Secretary visited promptly and signed the condolence book, countering allegations of delayed response.PTI sources said the government underlined that its primary focus remains the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf region and ensuring domestic energy security. It added that both objectives have been managed effectively so far despite the evolving situation.However, the Opposition described the government’s responses as “unsatisfactory” and pressed for a detailed discussion in Parliament. Congress leader Tariq Anwar criticised the government, saying Pakistan is taking on a mediator’s role while “we are still mute spectators”. He demanded debates in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and in the Rajya Sabha under Rule 176.The meeting was attended by key members of the Cabinet Committee on Security, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, external affairs minister S Jaishankar and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were also present, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri gave a presentation.Among Opposition leaders present were Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik of the Congress, Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Sasmit Patra of the BJD.
