Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Assures Indians of Safety Amid West Asia Crisis

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh reassures the nation of robust energy stocks and proactive evacuation plans as India monitors the escalating West Asia crisis.

On April 22, Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, addressing a press conference, outlined the Government’s measures to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in the West Asia crisis. He noted that several evacuation flights had already been operated to different cities in the region to bring home the Indians willing to do so. He said this was a continuation of the same spirit in which Indians were reunited with their homeland during the coronavirus pandemic, with the Government prioritizing the protection of life as a non-negotiable aspect of its rescue efforts.

Furthermore, Singh urged the Indian diaspora to contact their respective countries’ embassies at the earliest for further information and assistance. He highlighted that all Indians at present are safe and secure, and that any further evacuation missions, if necessary, would be carried out when and where required. Importantly, the minister pointed out that India was one of the least-affected countries in the world from the current West Asia crisis. Be it the question of crude oil, energy, or LPG supply, India has, through careful management of resources, ensured that adequate quantities of these essential items are in stock. A Committee comprising 12-14 senior ministers has been instated under the chairmanship of the Defence Minister that meets weekly to review the ongoing situation in real-time.

Moreover, Singh reinforced the Government’s proactive measures to ensure there is no difficulty faced by any section of the Indian economy and society. He said attempts by certain forces inimical to the country’s interests had tried to sow the seeds of disruption and instigate disruptions, but they have been dealt firmly with an iron hand. Significantly, this follows the latest setback to the upcoming round of talks between the US and Iran in Islamabad, with the latter citing the continued blockade of its ports and unprovoked threats of targeting civilian infrastructure, with the Iranian container ship Toushka coming under fire from the US Navy on the night of 19 April. CIO Bulletin views the current development as reflecting India’s measured response to the West Asia crisis by prioritizing the safety of its people and assets first and foremost.