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S Jaishankar rejects Pakistan style dalal role as India briefs parties on Iran Israel US crisis, energy security, and West Asia conflict impact warned by Narendra Modi.
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. (File image)
India on Wednesday took a sharp swipe at Pakistan’s reported role in backchannel diplomacy around the Iran crisis, with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar telling leaders at an all-party meeting that India is “not a dalal, broker country like Pakistan.” The remark came as the Centre briefed political parties on the fast-evolving situation in West Asia and India’s preparedness to deal with its fallout.
The all-party meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh in Parliament, was convened to discuss the diplomatic, economic and strategic impact of the Iran-Israel-US conflict. During the meeting, opposition leaders are learnt to have raised concerns over reports that Pakistan was being used as a mediator in communications involving Iran and the United States. Responding to these concerns, Jaishankar is learnt to have made it clear that India does not operate as an intermediary power in the same way and would not reduce its diplomacy to transactional brokerage.
According to sources, Jaishankar also pointed out that Pakistan’s engagement in such matters is not new and said Islamabad has played mediatory roles in the region since 1981. His remarks were seen as an attempt to put recent developments in historical perspective while also drawing a distinction between India’s strategic posture and Pakistan’s bilateral equation with Washington.
The meeting also focused heavily on India’s energy security as tensions in West Asia continue to threaten global supply chains and maritime routes. Government representatives assured leaders that India currently has adequate fuel and LPG supplies, and that more ships carrying critical energy cargo are already on their way. Ministers are also understood to have briefed parties on contingency plans to deal with any prolonged disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz.
Opposition leaders, however, sought a fuller debate in Parliament rather than just a briefing. Questions were also raised on India’s stock position, evacuation plans for citizens in the region, and the possible long-term impact of the conflict on crude prices, fertiliser imports and trade routes.
The meeting came after Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier warned in Parliament that the West Asia conflict could have long-lasting consequences for India and the wider global economy. The government has already formed multiple empowered groups to monitor developments and manage the impact on fuel, logistics, trade and essential supplies.
Delhi, India, India
March 25, 2026, 9:46 PM IST
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