Ensured Oil, Gas Supplies, Secured Interest Of A Crore Indians: Jaishankar Tells Parl Panel

Last Updated:September 07, 2026, 8:16 PM IST

India has simultaneously discussed connectivity with its Gulf partner countries and strengthened political contacts across the region, Jaishankar told the committee.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar briefs parliamentary panel on India’s Gulf diplomacy. (IMAGE: PTI)

India has secured the interests of around 10 million Indians living in the Gulf, ensured oil and gas supplies and strengthened political engagement with regional partners amid the West Asia conflict, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told a parliamentary panel, sources told CNN-News18.

Jaishankar briefed the Consultative Committee of Parliament for External Affairs on India’s engagement with Gulf countries over the past few months, outlining the diplomatic steps taken as conflict in the region intensified, the sources said.

According to the briefing, protecting the interests of the large Indian diaspora in the Gulf was a key focus of India’s engagement. The minister said the government had also ensured oil and gas supplies for India despite the conflict.

India has simultaneously discussed connectivity with its Gulf partner countries and strengthened political contacts across the region, Jaishankar told the committee.

The briefing comes ahead of the BRICS summit, which India will host as chair of the grouping, and at a time when New Delhi is seeking to maintain close engagement with countries across the Gulf amid heightened tensions in West Asia.

The briefing comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the Gulf region remaining crucial to India’s energy security, trade, connectivity and the welfare of millions of Indian nationals living and working there.

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How has India addressed the interests of its citizens in the Gulf amid the West Asia conflict?

India has secured the interests of approximately 10 million Indians living in the Gulf region, ensuring their welfare and safety amid the West Asia conflict. Protecting the large Indian diaspora was a key focus of India’s diplomatic engagement in the region, as stated by External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.

What diplomatic steps has India taken to ensure oil and gas supplies during the West Asia conflict?

India has strengthened political engagement with Gulf countries and discussed connectivity to ensure oil and gas supplies despite the conflict. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar briefed a parliamentary panel on these diplomatic steps. Additionally, India has engaged in direct talks with Iran to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has shown some positive results.

What is the significance of the Gulf region for India’s energy security?

The Gulf region is crucial for India’s energy security, trade, and connectivity, as it is a major source of oil and gas imports. The ongoing conflict in West Asia has heightened India’s focus on securing stable energy supplies and ensuring the safety of oil and gas imports passing through the region.

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Siddhant Mishra

Siddhant Mishra is a Senior Special Correspondent at CNN-News18, covering foreign affairs and international relations. With over 12 years of experience in journalism, he has also reported extensively …Read More

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