We Are Not A Dalal Nation, Says S Jaishankar
New Delhi — Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally intervened in the escalating West Asia crisis, conveying to US President Donald Trump that the conflict “must end soon as it is hurting everyone.”
The revelation came during a high-stakes, two-hour all-party meeting on Wednesday, where the government briefed Opposition leaders on India’s diplomatic and economic safeguards. However, the briefing sparked a sharp divide, with the government defending its “proactive” stance while the Opposition labeled the response “unsatisfactory.”
A central point of contention was Pakistan’s reported role in the conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar dismissed Islamabad’s involvement, drawing a sharp historical parallel. “There is nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the matter as that country has been used by the US since 1981,” Jaishankar reportedly stated. Addressing the Opposition’s comparison of India’s stance to Pakistan’s, he added firmly: “We are not a dalaal nation.”
Amid fears of supply chain disruptions, the government presented a robust plan for energy security and the safety of the Indian diaspora. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted the following:
• “India now procures crude oil, gas from 41 different countries”
• “Four India-bound ships have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz, with five more expected shortly”
• “18 ships remain currently stranded near the Strait, but the government assured there was “no need for panic” due to advance orders and sufficient stock.”
The government refuted charges of “moral weakness” regarding Iran, noting that the Foreign Secretary visited the Iranian embassy to sign the condolence book immediately after its opening following the death of the Iranian Supreme Leader.
“We are good friends with everyone – the US is our largest trading partner, Israel is our largest technological partner, and we have good relations with Iran too,” the government representative emphasized.
Regarding a recent US attack on an Iranian vessel, the government noted that while the ship was in Sri Lankan waters at the time, “There is a sense of gratitude on the part of Iran as we have protected other ships and sailors.” The Opposition is now demanding a formal debate under Rule 193 in the Lok Sabha and Rule 176 in the Rajya Sabha.
The meeting was also marked by political sniping. Union Minister Pralhad Joshi slammed the absence of Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and TMC members, calling it “highly irresponsible.”
“The statements that Rahul Gandhi is making raise serious questions about whether he is genuinely interested in India’s interests or in spreading rumours within the country,” Joshi said, suggesting that Gandhi’s rhetoric appeared to “appreciate Pakistan.”
