India’s External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar told political leaders during an all-party meeting that India does not operate as an intermediary power in the manner attributed to Pakistan, as discussions intensified over the diplomatic and economic implications of the escalating West Asia conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The remarks came during a parliamentary briefing aimed at updating parties on India’s preparedness and strategic posture amid rising regional instability.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, focused on the broader geopolitical fallout of the crisis and its implications for India’s security, trade, and energy supply. Opposition leaders reportedly raised questions about reports suggesting Pakistan had been used as a communication channel between Iran and the United States. In response, Jaishankar emphasized that India’s diplomatic approach is based on strategic independence and does not involve acting as a transactional intermediary.
According to officials familiar with the discussions, Jaishankar also referenced Pakistan’s historical involvement in mediation roles dating back decades, placing recent developments in a wider regional context. The comments were seen as reinforcing India’s position that its foreign policy priorities remain centered on sovereign decision-making and long-term strategic interests rather than brokerage diplomacy.
Energy security emerged as a key concern during the briefing, particularly with tensions threatening shipping lanes and supply routes across West Asia. Government representatives informed party leaders that India currently has sufficient fuel and LPG reserves and confirmed that additional shipments carrying critical energy supplies are already en route. Officials also outlined contingency plans to address potential disruptions linked to instability in the Strait of Hormuz.
Opposition parties called for a broader parliamentary debate on the evolving crisis and sought more detailed updates on evacuation planning for Indian nationals in the region, as well as the possible long-term effects on crude oil prices, fertiliser imports, and trade flows. Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had warned lawmakers that the conflict could have lasting consequences for both India’s economy and global markets. The government has since formed multiple high-level monitoring groups to track developments and coordinate responses across energy, logistics, and essential supply sectors.
