New Delhi: The Lok Sabha witnessed a tense moment on Monday as opposition members staged a walkout during the ongoing budget session, protesting the government’s handling of issues related to the escalating conflict between Iran and the United States. Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav voiced strong concerns, stating that the rapidly changing global situation requires serious discussion in Parliament and clarity on India’s stance.
Addressing the issue, Akhilesh Yadav said that when the Parliament session had earlier gone into recess, the national and international situation was very different. However, the emergence of war-like conditions in the Middle East has significantly altered the global environment, creating new challenges for India. In such a crisis, he said, Parliament should prioritize a number of urgent issues directly affecting the country’s security, diplomacy and citizens abroad.
According to Yadav, the first priority should be a clear statement from the government outlining India’s official position and perspective regarding the ongoing conflict. He emphasized that the country needs to understand how the government views the unfolding war and what diplomatic approach India intends to adopt in the midst of rising geopolitical tensions.
The Samajwadi Party leader also raised questions about India’s foreign policy direction, expressing concern that the country’s strategic independence might be weakening. He suggested that there is a perception that India’s foreign policy decisions are increasingly being influenced by external powers, which could compromise the nation’s long-standing tradition of strategic autonomy.
Another issue highlighted by Yadav was the question of energy security. He pointed out that matters related to the supply of essential commodities such as crude oil should remain within India’s sovereign decision-making framework. According to him, any situation where external pressure determines India’s energy imports raises serious concerns about the country’s economic independence and policy freedom.
Yadav further stressed that national sovereignty and self-reliance must remain central to India’s policymaking, especially during times of global conflict. He said that the government should reassure the country that India’s interests are being protected and that strategic decisions are being made independently.
The safety of Indian citizens currently present in conflict-affected regions was another key issue raised by the opposition leader. Yadav said the government must take immediate steps to ensure the safety of Indians working or traveling in the affected areas and make arrangements for their safe evacuation back to India.
He also referred to journalists and media professionals who had reportedly accompanied the Prime Minister on an official foreign visit but were unable to return due to the outbreak of hostilities. According to Yadav, the government must take swift action to ensure their safe return to the country.
In addition, the Samajwadi Party leader warned that the war could disrupt global supply chains and lead to shortages or price increases in essential commodities. He called upon the government to ensure that critical supplies remain stable and accessible within India while taking measures to control rising prices.
The walkout by opposition members underscored growing political tensions in Parliament over how the government is managing the implications of the international conflict. Opposition leaders have demanded a detailed discussion in the House, arguing that the situation requires transparency, strategic clarity and decisive action to safeguard India’s national interests and citizens abroad.
