Jaishankar questions Pakistan’s role in West Asia mediation
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Wednesday described Pakistan as a “dalaal” (broker) nation, referring to its reported attempts to mediate in the ongoing West Asia conflict. Speaking at an all-party meeting in the Parliament Annexe, Jaishankar stressed that India has an independent diplomatic approach. “We are not a dalaal (broker) nation,” he said, noting that Pakistan has historically been “used” by the US since 1981 for mediation purposes.
The meeting, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, was called to brief opposition leaders on India’s diplomatic response and steps to safeguard its interests amid escalating hostilities in the Gulf. Government officials countered criticism that New Delhi had been silent, stating that India has been actively commenting on developments while balancing messaging to avoid escalation.
Officials highlighted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has communicated to Donald Trump the need for an early end to the conflict. The Government also noted its priority is protecting the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and ensuring uninterrupted energy supplies, efforts it claimed have been successful so far.
Regarding criticism over the timing of condolence messages following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, officials said the Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri promptly visited the Iranian embassy and signed the condolence book, underscoring India’s respect for diplomatic protocol.
The opposition, including Congress leaders Tariq Anwar and Mukul Wasnik, Samajwadi Party’s Dharmendra Yadav, and BJD’s Sasmit Patra, described the Government’s responses as “unsatisfactory” and demanded a parliamentary debate in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi did not attend due to prior commitments.
Union ministers representing the Cabinet Committee on Security-including Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, and Health Minister J.P. Nadda-attended alongside Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, highlighting the Government’s coordinated approach to the crisis.
