Parliament – Jaishankar to Address Lok Sabha on Rising Tensions in West Asia
Parliament – India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar is set to deliver a statement in the Lok Sabha on Monday regarding the evolving situation in West Asia as Parliament resumes the second phase of the Budget Session. The update is expected to outline the government’s position amid rising geopolitical tensions in the region following recent military developments involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
Government Statement Expected on West Asia Developments
The minister’s address comes at a time when global attention remains focused on the escalating conflict in West Asia. The situation intensified after Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in coordinated military strikes reportedly carried out by the United States and Israel on February 28.
Following the incident, Iran launched retaliatory strikes targeting American military installations across several West Asian countries as well as Israeli assets in the region. The developments have heightened security concerns internationally and prompted diplomatic responses from several governments.
India’s statement in Parliament is expected to provide clarity on how New Delhi is assessing the unfolding crisis and its possible implications for regional stability, international relations, and Indian interests abroad.
Opposition Seeks Detailed Discussion in Lok Sabha
While the government plans to present a formal statement, opposition parties have called for a broader discussion in the House. Several members of Parliament have expressed the view that lawmakers should be given an opportunity to raise questions and debate the issue.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticised the decision to limit the matter to a statement, arguing that Parliament should allow a more detailed exchange of views on the international situation. According to opposition leaders, the conflict in West Asia has global consequences and therefore deserves a full parliamentary discussion.
Resolution Against Lok Sabha Speaker Expected
Alongside the discussion on foreign policy developments, political tensions within Parliament may also surface during the session. According to the official List of Business, members of the Congress party are expected to introduce a resolution seeking a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
The motion has reportedly been supported by 118 opposition MPs. The signatories have alleged that the Speaker displayed partisan conduct during recent proceedings, particularly after Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was reportedly not permitted to speak in the House.
For the motion to proceed, the opposition will first need the permission of the House, known as “leave of the House.” Only after that step can the resolution be formally considered.
Obituary References to Begin the Sitting
The Lok Sabha will begin Monday’s proceedings with obituary references to several former parliamentarians. Members are expected to pay tribute to Meghalaya MP Ricky Andrew J. Syngkon, who passed away while serving as a sitting member of the House.
The House will also record condolences for former members Kumari Sushila Tririya, Devi Bux Singh, Purnmasi Ram, and KP Unnikrishnan.
Similarly, the Rajya Sabha will open its sitting by paying tribute to former members Mukul Roy, Janardhan Waghmare, and HK Dua.
Legislative Business in Rajya Sabha
In the Upper House, Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai will present a copy of a presidential proclamation issued under Article 356 of the Constitution. The document relates to the revocation of the earlier proclamation that had imposed President’s Rule in Manipur.
The revocation order was issued on February 4, replacing a previous proclamation dated February 13, 2025, under which central rule had been enforced in the northeastern state.
Rajya Sabha members are also expected to take up a discussion on the functioning of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The debate is likely to focus on environmental governance, conservation initiatives, and policy implementation.
Budget Session to Continue Until April
The second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament will continue until April 2. During this period, lawmakers are expected to address key legislative matters, including discussions related to the Union Budget for the financial year 2026–27.
The Budget Session originally began on January 28 with the President’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses. In total, the parliamentary calendar includes 30 sittings spread across 65 days.
As the session resumes, discussions on international developments, domestic governance issues, and legislative proposals are expected to shape the parliamentary agenda in the coming weeks.