Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to speak in the Lok Sabha at 2 PM IST today, addressing critical aspects of the ongoing West Asia conflict (also referred to as the Middle East crisis involving tensions between Israel, Iran, the US, and regional players). This comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions, rising crude oil prices, supply chain disruptions, and concerns over India’s energy security, Indian expatriates in the Gulf, and global stability.
Background of the West Asia Conflict
The current escalation in West Asia has involved intensified military actions, including strikes on critical infrastructure, leading to civilian casualties and threats to regional stability. India has closely monitored developments, with PM Modi engaging in multiple high-level diplomatic conversations in recent weeks.
How the War Started
- On February 28, 2026, the US and Israel launched surprise airstrikes on multiple Iranian sites, including military compounds, nuclear facilities, and leadership targets in cities like Tehran.
- Key early events included the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.
- Iran responded immediately with waves of ballistic missiles, drones, and other attacks targeting Israel, US military bases in the Gulf (e.g., in Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, Saudi Arabia), and energy infrastructure in Gulf states.
This marked a shift from proxy conflicts to open, direct warfare, often described as the “Third Gulf War.”