India protected 10 million Indians, ensured oil supplies amid West Asia conflict: Report

India managed to shield its large Gulf diaspora and keep energy supplies secure even as conflict swept across West Asia, while stepping up diplomatic engagement with regional partners, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar told a parliamentary panel, according to CNN-News18.

According to the report, Jaishankar briefed the Consultative Committee of Parliament on External Affairs on India’s engagement with Gulf countries over the past several months, detailing the steps taken as the regional security situation deteriorated.

The briefing focused on three areas central to India’s interests in the Gulf: the safety of Indian nationals, uninterrupted energy supplies and continued political engagement with regional partners, the report said.

Protecting 10 million Indians

Safeguarding the interests of around 10 million Indians living and working across Gulf countries was a key priority for New Delhi, according to the CNN-News18 report.

The Indian diaspora has deep economic and social ties with the region. Millions of Indians work across sectors including construction, healthcare, services, transport and finance in Gulf economies.

Any prolonged conflict or disruption could therefore have significant consequences for Indian nationals, as well as for remittances and business activity between India and the region.

Jaishankar told the panel that the government had worked to protect the interests of Indian citizens as tensions intensified.

Oil and gas supplies maintained

Energy security was another major focus of India’s engagement with Gulf countries.

Jaishankar told lawmakers that India had ensured oil and gas supplies despite the conflict, CNN-News18 reported.

The Gulf is a crucial source of energy for India and disruptions in the region can quickly affect crude prices, shipping costs and inflation.

For New Delhi, maintaining stable supplies has therefore been an important priority while navigating the wider security risks created by the conflict.

India steps up Gulf diplomacy

At the same time, India strengthened political engagement with countries across the Gulf, according to the report. Jaishankar also briefed the committee on discussions with Gulf partners on connectivity.

The talks reflect the broader expansion of India-Gulf ties beyond energy. Trade, investment, logistics, infrastructure and connectivity have become increasingly important parts of the relationship.

Keeping political channels open has also allowed India to engage with multiple regional partners as tensions have risen.

Brics summit adds to diplomatic focus

The briefing comes ahead of the Brics summit, which India will host in New Delhi on September 12 and 13 as chair of the grouping.

The timing is significant as New Delhi seeks to maintain strong relationships with countries across West Asia while protecting its economic and strategic interests.

The Gulf remains particularly important to India because of its role in energy markets, trade and connectivity, as well as the presence of millions of Indian nationals.