Opposition MPs Question Modi's Israel Visit Timing Amid Iran Conflict
Opposition members of Parliament raised pointed questions during a parliamentary committee meeting on Wednesday regarding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent diplomatic visit to Israel. The timing of this visit, occurring just days before Israel and the United States launched military strikes against Iran, came under particular scrutiny. Additionally, MPs challenged the government's perceived silence concerning the killing of Iran's supreme leader.
Diplomatic Choices and Traditional Stance Under Scrutiny
The Ministry of External Affairs was briefing the committee, chaired by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on the safety and security of the substantial Indian diaspora residing in West Asia. During this session, several committee members expressed deep concerns about India's current diplomatic positioning. They questioned whether the nation's actions represent a departure from its long-standing, traditional stance on complex West Asian geopolitical issues.
According to sources familiar with the proceedings, the ministry officials present indicated that detailed responses to these pointed queries would be provided later in writing. Notably, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who typically conducts such briefings, was unable to attend this critical meeting.
Broad Range of Concerns Raised by Committee
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Chairman Shashi Tharoor outlined the broad spectrum of issues discussed. He confirmed that every member of the committee had pressing questions and serious concerns. These encompassed the overall volatile situation in the region, its potential global and regional impact, and most importantly, the immediate safety and security of Indian citizens living and working there.
"We got some answers but didn't get all, as the foreign secretary was unavailable," Tharoor stated, highlighting the incomplete nature of the briefing due to the top diplomat's absence.
Beyond human safety, MPs also raised alarms about the security of vital energy supplies, including oil and gas, which are crucial for India's economy and could be disrupted by the escalating conflict.
Specific Questions on PM's Israel Visit
Tharoor explicitly confirmed that questions were directed at the timing and implications of Prime Minister Modi's visit to Israel. While he declined to divulge specific details of the internal committee discussion, citing parliamentary protocol, he emphasized the committee's role.
"MPs would naturally raise every issue that is on their mind," Tharoor remarked, underscoring that scrutinizing such significant diplomatic moves falls within the committee's purview.
Status of Indian Nationals in Iran
Providing a crucial update on Indian citizens, Tharoor noted that approximately 9,000 Indians currently remain in Iran. However, he clarified that not all individuals necessarily wish to evacuate. He pointed out that commercial travel in and out of Gulf countries, particularly through hubs like the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, remains relatively accessible for those seeking to leave.
This parliamentary scrutiny occurs against a backdrop of intense military action, including US strikes on Iranian missile sites and Iranian retaliatory attacks, raising the stakes for Indian foreign policy and diaspora safety in the turbulent West Asian region.
