The government, on Wednesday, assured political parties that India faces no shortage of LPG, crude oil or natural gas despite the raging conflict in West Asia. The government said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had also personally conveyed to US President Donald Trump India's desire for a swift end to hostilities.
This assurance was given during the all-party meeting called in New Delhi to address concerns of the political parties and also brief them about India’s effort to deal with the situation in West Asia. Though the government said the Opposition parties supported the government in its efforts, the Opposition members who attended the meeting questioned the ministers on several issues, including India’s stance in the war.
The all-party meeting comes a day after PM Modi addressed Parliament on the subject and even drew parallels with the COVID-19 pandemic, saying India had emerged united during that crisis and would do so again.
The remarks had triggered anxiety about a repeat of pandemic-era shortages and government curbs, particularly on cooking gas and fuel. Long queues outside LPG dealerships were reported in several parts of the country, with instances of black marketing also emerging.
The conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran broke out on February 28, and with roughly 70 per cent of India's energy imports routed through the Strait of Hormuz, the war's implications for ordinary Indians quickly became a major political flashpoint.
The meeting was chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri opened proceedings with a detailed presentation to the assembled floor leaders.
Broad solidarity, with caveats
Despite the sharp disagreements on the diplomatic question, the all-party meeting closed on a note of political unity around the immediate crisis. The government said it was prepared and "engaged at all levels, prioritising its people, and confident of weathering the situation through coordinated diplomatic, strategic and economic efforts."
Parliamentary affairs Kiren Rijuju said, “Opposition members expressed concerns about the situation in West Asia, and wanted to know how it will impact India, and what steps the government has taken for the Indian people.
The government responded comprehensively and thoroughly. The government has answered all the questions asked by the entire opposition. All the Opposition colleagues have said in this hour of crisis, whatever decision the government takes, whatever steps it takes according to the prevailing situation, everyone will support it unitedly... I believe that whatever was demanded by the Opposition, that such information should be given, the government has given adequate information today."
The Opposition leaders asked the government to take a position with regard to the unilateral attack against a sovereign, independent country by the United States. They highlighted India’s historic relations with Iran.
Members are also learnt to have raised questions about PM Modi’s visit to Israel before hostilities broke out. Members also asked about Pakistan's emerging role as a mediator.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas, who attended the meeting, recounted: "In a conversation between Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, our prime minister had conveyed our desire that the war end quickly because the war, as said by the EAM, hurts everybody."
The Left MP added that the government has assured the Opposition that there is enough supply of oil, petroleum products, LNG, and LPG. And there have been negotiations with the Iranian side for the smooth sailing of the ships.