New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Tuesday told leaders at an all-party meeting that India does not view itself as a “dalaal” (broker) like , according to sources quoted by PTI. His remarks came amid rising reports of mediation efforts in the , as several countries, including Pakistan and Turkey, have increased attempts to act as intermediaries between Washington and Tehran to ease tensions in the Middle East.
“There is nothing new in Pakistan’s mediation efforts in the matter, as that country has been ‘used’ by the US since 1981,” PTI sources quoted S. Jaishankar as saying. “We are not a dalaal nation,” he reportedly told attendees at the meeting held at the Parliament complex to discuss the ongoing Middle East crisis.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told US President Donald Trump that the conflict in West Asia must be brought to an end swiftly, as it is impacting all parties involved, the government informed Opposition leaders during the meeting, reaffirming its stance on de-escalation.
Responding to criticism from the Opposition, the government dismissed allegations that New Delhi has remained silent on the West Asia crisis, asserting that “we are commenting and responding”. Officials highlighted India’s diplomatic outreach, noting that when a condolence book was opened at the Iranian Embassy after the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri promptly visited and signed it on behalf of the government, countering claims of a delayed response.
According to PTI sources, the government highlighted that its top priorities remain the safety of the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and maintaining domestic energy security, adding that both objectives have been handled effectively despite the evolving situation.
The Opposition, however, described the government’s responses as “unsatisfactory” and called for a detailed discussion in Parliament. Congress leader Tariq Anwar criticised the government, saying, “Pakistan is taking on a mediator’s role while we are still mute spectators,” and demanded debates in the Lok Sabha under Rule 193 and the Rajya Sabha under Rule 176.
The meeting saw participation from key members of the Cabinet Committee on Security, including Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Home Minister Amit Shah, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. Health Minister JP Nadda and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju were also in attendance, while Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri delivered a detailed presentation.
Opposition leaders present included Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik of the Congress, Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party, and Sasmit Patra of the BJD.