Executive Summary:
This document is the official response from the Minister of External Affairs to Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 292 on August 8, 2025, regarding India's relations with West Asian countries in light of recent geopolitical developments. It addresses the impact of global tensions on India's diplomatic and economic relations, strategic and energy interests, concerns about sanctions, and the safety of Indian nationals in conflict zones. The statement outlines the government's strategies and actions taken to safeguard India's interests.
Key Points / Main Content:
* **Geopolitical Monitoring and Response:**
* The government constantly monitors geopolitical developments affecting India's national interest.
* The government responds appropriately to safeguard India's interests at bilateral, regional, and global levels.
* The government is ready to contribute to conflict mitigation and resolution through diplomacy and dialogue.
* **Energy Security:**
* Energy security is a top priority for the government.
* The government takes necessary steps to ensure access to affordable energy.
* The government pursues a multipronged strategy: diversifying supply sources, enhancing domestic production, expanding alternate energy, and advancing energy transition.
* International energy sourcing decisions are based on market factors, national interests, and priorities.
* The government sensitizes stakeholders regarding developments that could impact them and remains engaged with concerned countries.
* **Safety and Repatriation of Indian Nationals:**
* The government prioritizes the safety, security, and wellbeing of Indian nationals abroad.
* The government engages with relevant players, including foreign governments, to facilitate the safe return of Indian nationals.
* The government's actions are guided by the evolving situation in conflict zones, including advisories, 24x7 helplines, social media engagement, and evacuation efforts.
Impact Analysis:
* **Indian Government:**
* Impact: Required to constantly monitor geopolitical developments, respond to their impact on national interests, ensure energy security, and safeguard Indian nationals abroad.
* Action Required: Continue diplomatic efforts, diversify energy sources, engage with stakeholders, and provide support to Indian nationals in conflict zones.
* **Indian Nationals (especially those abroad):**
* Impact: Their safety and security are prioritized during international conflicts.
* Action Required: Follow government advisories, utilize available helplines and resources, and maintain contact with Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
* **Energy Stakeholders (domestic and international):**
* Impact: Potentially affected by changes in energy sourcing and government policies.
* Action Required: Stay informed about government policies, adapt to diversifying energy sources, and engage with the government on relevant issues.
Key Entities Referenced
SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN: Member of Parliament who asked the starred question in Lok Sabha.
MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR: The Minister who answered the question in Lok Sabha.
RussiaUkraine war: Geopolitical development impacting India's diplomatic and economic relations.
West Asia: Region where conflict is impacting India's diplomatic and economic relations.
United States: Country with which India has raised concerns regarding the impact of sanctions on petroleum imports.
Russia: Country from which India imports petroleum, subject to sanctions.
Iran: Country from which India imports petroleum, subject to sanctions.
Lok Sabha: The house of the Parliament, where the starred question was raised.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
LOK SABHA
STARRED QUESTION NO - 292
ANSWERED ON 08.08.2025
RELATION WITH WEST ASIAN COUNTRIES
*292 SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:-
(a) whether the recent geopolitical developments, including the
Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in West Asia and sanctions imposed by
Western countries, have had any impact on India’s diplomatic and
economic relations with affected countries, if so, the details
thereof;
(b) the details of the steps taken by the Government to safeguard
the country’s strategic and energy interests amid global tensions;
(c) whether the Government has raised concerns with countries like
the United States regarding the impact of sanctions on India’s
petroleum imports from Russia and Iran, if so, the details thereof;
and
1(d) the measures taken by the Government to ensure safety and
repatriation of Indian nationals, including students and workers,
from conflict zones during the last year?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)
(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the table of the House.
2STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PART (A) TO (D) IN
RESPECT OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. 292 FOR REPLY
ON 08.08.2025 REGARDING RELATIONS WITH WEST ASIAN
COUNTRIES ASKED BY SHRI K RADHAKRISHNAN
(a) to (d) Government constantly monitors all geopolitical
developments having a bearing on India’s national interest and
responds appropriately to their impact with a view to safeguarding
India’s interests at bilateral, regional and global levels. Government
has also stated its readiness to contribute to efforts for mitigation
and resolution of conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
Government considers energy security to be among its top priorities
and has taken all necessary steps to ensure access to affordable
energy for the people of India. Government pursues a multi-pronged
strategy that includes diversifying supply sources, enhancing
domestic production of oil & gas, expanding the adoption of
alternate energy sources and advancing the energy transition.
Government’s decisions on international energy sourcing are based
on diverse market factors, including pricing and availabilities and
keeping in mind India’s national interests and priorities. Necessary
steps are also taken to sensitize all relevant stakeholders regarding
3any developments that could impact them. Government also
remains engaged with the concerned countries on this matter.
Government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and
well-being of Indian nationals abroad. It has engaged with all
relevant players including governments of other countries, to
facilitate safe return of Indian nationals. Government’s actions,
including issuance of appropriate advisories through Indian
Missions/Posts abroad, operating 24x7 helplines, engaging with
Indian nationals through social media platforms, and undertaking
evacuation, where necessary etc., have been guided by the evolving
situation in conflict zones.
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