New Delhi

Members of the opposition INDIA bloc on Monday staged a protest at the Makar Dwar of the Parliament of India, raising slogans against the Centre over the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

Among those participating in the protest were Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge.

The protesting MPs held a banner that read, “Gulf burning, oil shock. Indians stranded. India needs leadership — no silence.”

The protest followed a statement by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in the Rajya Sabha regarding the evolving situation in the region.

Speaking in the Upper House amid sloganeering by opposition members, Jaishankar said the government was closely monitoring developments.

“The Prime Minister continues to closely monitor the emerging developments, and relevant ministries are coordinating to ensure effective responses,” he said, referring to Narendra Modi.

Jaishankar added that the government had earlier expressed concern about the situation and urged restraint.

“Our government issued a statement on February 20 expressing deep concerns and urging all sides to exercise restraint. We continue to believe that dialogue and diplomacy should be pursued to de-escalate tensions,” he said.

Opposition leaders, however, demanded a detailed discussion in Parliament on the issue. Jairam Ramesh said the opposition walked out after being denied the opportunity to question the government following the minister’s statement.

Kharge also sought a short-duration discussion in the Rajya Sabha on the implications of the conflict for India’s energy security.

“The conflict has now impacted India’s energy security and the country’s image. Its outcome will also affect our economic stability,” he said, referring to rising cooking gas prices.

The conflict escalated after joint strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran on February 28, reportedly resulting in the death of Iran’s former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several members of the ruling establishment.

Since then, tensions have intensified, with reports of fresh attacks on oil depots and water desalination plants over the weekend.

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Earlier in the day, suspended MPs also staged a protest within the Parliament complex, holding banners that read, “Silencing the opposition is equal to killing democracy.”