New Delhi, February 28 (.) Leader of the Communist Party of India (CPI) in the Rajya Sabha, Sandosh Kumar P, has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar expressing “grave concern” over the escalating situation following recent United States–Israel military strikes on Iran, and urging the government to prioritise the safety of Indian nationals in the region.
In his letter addressed to the Minister of External Affairs, Kumar highlighted that nearly 10,000 Indian citizens are currently residing in Iran and stressed the need for immediate protective measures.
“I write to convey grave concern over the unfolding situation in the aftermath of the recent United States-Israel military strikes on Iran and the escalating tensions in the region,” he stated.
“With approximately 10,000 Indian citizens residing in Iran, their safety, security, and well-being must be accorded the highest and most immediate priority,” he wrote, calling for proactive contingency planning, real-time travel advisories, enhanced coordination by the Indian Embassy, and structured evacuation mechanisms if required.
“In a volatile conflict environment where escalation can be sudden and unpredictable, proactive contingency planning, real-time advisories, strengthened embassy coordination, and, if necessary, structured evacuation mechanisms must be put in place without delay,” the CPI leader emphasised.
He added that families back home are deeply anxious and that the government must clearly communicate the steps being taken to safeguard Indian nationals.
Kumar also pointed to India’s strategic and economic interests in Iran, noting that New Delhi has invested heavily in infrastructure and connectivity initiatives in the country. “Any prolonged instability threatens supply chains, energy flows, and long-term investments that are vital to India’s national interests,” he observed.
However, he highlighted that humanitarian considerations must come first. “While these strategic considerations are important, they must remain secondary to the immediate humanitarian obligation to protect lives and ensure that no citizen is exposed to avoidable risk.”
Given the fragile geopolitical climate in West Asia, Kumar urged India to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation. “Stability in the region is intrinsically linked to India’s economic security and diaspora safety,” he wrote, calling on the Ministry to place the protection of Indian citizens “at the center of its response strategy.”
“In moments such as these, the Government’s foremost duty is clear: the security and well-being of Indian nationals must stand above all other considerations,” Kumar said in his appeal. . PWS KK