New Delhi

The Lok Sabha witnessed repeated disruptions on Monday as opposition parties demanded a discussion on the escalating conflict in West Asia, even as External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar made a suo motu statement on the situation.

The House, which reconvened after an inter-session break, was adjourned multiple times during the day amid sloganeering by opposition members. It was first adjourned until noon, then until 3 pm, and finally for the day.

The government accused the opposition, particularly the Indian National Congress, of disrupting proceedings when the House was scheduled to take up a resolution moved by opposition members seeking the removal of Om Birla as Speaker. The opposition does not have the required numbers in the House for the motion to succeed.

When the House resumed at 3 pm, protests continued. Jagdambika Pal, who was presiding over the session, told members that the External Affairs Minister had already made a detailed statement addressing concerns over the West Asia situation.

Earlier in the day, the Chair pointed out that the opposition had brought a resolution seeking the Speaker’s removal but was simultaneously protesting on another issue. He also objected to members displaying placards inside the House.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju criticised the opposition’s conduct, accusing them of obstructing the functioning of Parliament.

In his statement in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, Jaishankar described recent developments in West Asia as deeply concerning. He said the current phase of the conflict began on February 28 and involves fighting between Israel and the United States on one side and Iran on the other, along with attacks affecting several Gulf countries.

He noted that the conflict has resulted in casualties, including at the leadership level in Iran, and significant damage to infrastructure across the region.

Jaishankar said India had issued a statement on February 28 urging all sides to exercise restraint, avoid escalation and prioritise civilian safety.

“We believe that dialogue and diplomacy are essential to reduce tensions and address underlying issues. It is also important that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all countries in the region are respected,” he said.

He informed the House that the Cabinet Committee on Security met on March 1 to review the situation and discuss the safety of Indian citizens in the region, as well as the implications for regional stability and economic activities.

The minister noted that nearly one crore Indians live and work in Gulf countries, while several thousand Indians are present in Iran for work and studies. The region is also critical to India’s energy security and trade, accounting for nearly USD 200 billion in annual commerce.

Jaishankar added that the government has been closely monitoring the situation since the 12-day conflict in June 2025 and has cautioned Indian citizens in Iran accordingly. He said the Embassy of India in Tehran remains fully operational to assist Indian nationals.

He also confirmed that an Iranian naval vessel, IRIS Lavan, docked at Kochi on March 4 after Iran requested permission for three ships to enter Indian ports. The crew is currently being hosted at Indian naval facilities, a gesture that the Iranian side has appreciated.

Emphasising India’s priorities, Jaishankar said the safety of Indian citizens abroad, as well as the country’s energy security and trade flows, remain paramount.

Earlier, MPs from the opposition INDIA bloc staged a protest at Parliament’s Makar Dwar over the West Asia crisis. Among those participating were Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.

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The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 28, with its first phase ending on February 13. The second phase is scheduled to continue until April 2.