LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 5627
ANSWERED ON 27/03/2026
IMPACT OF GLOBAL CONFLICTS ON INDIA
5627. DR. KIRSAN NAMDEO
Will the Minister of EXTERNAL AFFAIRS be pleased to state:
(a) whether the recent geopolitical developments including the Russia-Ukraine war, conflict in West Asia and sanctions imposed by Western countries, have had any impact on India’s diplomatic and economic relations with affected countries, if so, the details thereof;
(b) the details of the steps taken by the Government to safeguard the country’s strategic and energy interests amid global tensions;
(c) whether the Government has raised concerns with countries like the United States regarding the impact of sanctions on India’s petroleum imports from Russia and Iran, if so, the details thereof; and
(d) the measures taken by the Government to ensure safety and repatriation of Indian nationals including students and workers, from conflict zones during the last year?
ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(SHRI KIRTI VARDHAN SINGH)
(a to c) The Government constantly monitors all geopolitical developments having a bearing on India’s national interests and responds appropriately to their impact, with a view to safeguarding India’s interests at bilateral, regional and global levels.
India has been consistently advocating for the resolution of conflicts through dialogue and diplomacy and has called for de-escalation as well as prioritising the safety of civilians. The Government has also stated its readiness to contribute to efforts aimed at mitigating and resolving conflicts through diplomacy and dialogue.
The Government considers energy security to be among its top priorities and has taken all necessary steps to ensure access to affordable energy for the people of India. The Government pursues a multi-pronged strategy that includes diversifying supply sources, enhancing domestic production of oil & gas, expanding the adoption of alternative energy sources, advancing the energy transition and engaging with partner countries, including the United States, to ensure uninterrupted access to affordable energy.
Further, the Government has constituted an Inter Ministerial Group (IMG) on Supply Chain Resilience to address concerns—including the impact on India's external trade, shipping routes and logistics chains—stemming from the evolving geopolitical situation. The IMG has held review meetings on a regular basis, established a dedicated communication channel for exporters, and compiled daily situation and action reports for a coordinated response. The Government's response has focused on coordinated trade facilitation, logistics support, customs simplification, maritime monitoring, and engagement with concerned stakeholders to reduce the impact of disruption on India's exports, including exports to the wider Gulf region.
Furthermore, attacks on commercial vessels in and around the Red Sea and the Gulf threaten freedom of navigation and impact our trade. The Indian Navy has been deployed in the region under ‘Operation Sankalp’ to enhance maritime security, proactively respond to any contingency and ensure the protection of Indian-flagged merchant vessels, Indian seafarers and Indian cargo.
(d) The Government accords the highest priority to the safety, security and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. It has engaged with all relevant players including governments of other countries, to facilitate safe return of stranded Indian nationals. The Government’s actions include issuance of appropriate advisories through Indian Missions/Posts abroad, operating 24x7 helplines and engaging with Indian nationals through social media platforms.
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