New Delhi: The Government on Wednesday assured opposition parties that more Indian ships are scheduled to transit the Strait of Hormuz, adding there is no cause for concern over energy security.
At an all-party meeting convened to discuss the ongoing West Asia crisis, the government briefed opposition leaders on India’s strategic position, its energy preparedness, and the potential impact of the conflict in Iran. Measures being taken to mitigate fallout from the war were also outlined.
Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government responded comprehensively to all queries raised during the meeting. He noted that many members sought detailed information on gas and petroleum supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and were satisfied with the explanation that India had already secured four ships.
“All opposition colleagues have expressed that, in this hour of crisis, whatever decision the government takes will be supported unitedly,” Rijiju said. “The information requested by the opposition was provided adequately today.”
The meeting was attended by Union ministers from the Cabinet Committee on Security, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Opposition leaders present included Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik of the Congress, Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, and Sasmit Patra of the Biju Janata Dal.
Rijiju added that opposition members displayed maturity and conveyed that they would stand with government measures during challenging times.
However, senior Congress leader Tariq Anwar said that while attempts were made to seek clarifications, the meeting was unsatisfactory. He stressed that the issue should be debated in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha under Rules 193 and 170 to ensure public confidence. Anwar highlighted that Pakistan, despite being smaller and weaker, is currently mediating in the conflict, while India remains a silent observer.
CPI(M) MP John Brittas said the government assured MPs about the measures being taken and emphasised that talks are ongoing with all concerned countries, expressing hope that the conflict ends soon.
Aam Aadmi Party MP Sanjay Singh raised concerns over people standing in queues for gas cylinders and fuel, causing confusion and panic. The government clarified that 60 per cent of LPG is produced domestically and that there are sufficient oil reserves, ensuring no shortage of gas.
With IANS inputs