"Govt has taken no creative steps in bringing back stranded Indians from West Asia": Congress' Hibi Eden demands parliamentary debate

New Delhi [India], March 9 : Congress MP Hibi Eden on Monday criticised the government for failing to take "creative steps" to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in West Asia, calling for a discussion on the matter in Parliament.
While speaking to ANI, Eden said the government has failed to ensure the safety of Indians stranded in West Asia and the Middle East, expressing concern for those living there.

"The important factor here is that the government of India has taken no creative steps in bringing back the people who are stranded in those places. They have not ensured the safety of the Indians who are living abroad, especially in the West Asia and Middle-Eastern countries, where they are suffering a huge crisis. We are very much concerned for the people who live for their livelihood in these countries," Eden said, urging a parliamentary debate on the issue.
The remarks came amid noisy scenes in the Lok Sabha on the first day of proceedings after the inter-session break. Opposition parties, including Congress, demanded a discussion on the escalating crisis in West Asia, even as External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar made a suo moto statement addressing the situation.
Congress MPs K Suresh and Jebi Mather joined the chorus, with Suresh stating that the government's refusal to allow an adjournment motion had obstructed discussion, while Mather questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's silence on the matter, emphasising that Parliament should debate all critical issues during its session.
"If the Govt and Chair will agree for the adjournment motion from the Opposition parties moved for a discussion on West Asia crisis, then public exchequer will not lose money. But the Govt did not agree with the entire Opposition's demand for a discussion on the West Asia crisis. So, the Govt briefs Jagdambika Pal to say things like this," Suresh told ANI.
"The West Asia crisis, the condition of Indians there is a concern for India...Where is our PM? Why is he so silent?... When Parliament is in session, there should be a discussionon all the issues," Mather told ANI.
Meanwhile, earlier today, the government, however, accused the Opposition of stalling proceedings, particularly as members attempted to move a resolution for the removal of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The House was repeatedly adjourned due to sloganeering and protests, with BJP member Jagdambika Pal clarifying that Jaishankar had already made a comprehensive statement on the West Asia situation.
In his statement, Jaishankar outlined the recent conflict in West Asia, which began on February 28 and has involved clashes between Israel, the United States, Iran, and several Gulf states. He highlighted casualties, infrastructural damage, and disruptions to normal life and trade in the region. The minister said the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had met on March 1 to address the safety of Indian nationals and regional security concerns.
Jaishankar reiterated that India continues to prioritise the well-being of nearly one crore Indians living in the Gulf and thousands in Iran, emphasizing energy security, trade relations, and the importance of diplomacy to de-escalate tensions. He cited humanitarian measures, such as facilitating the docking of an Iranian vessel, IRIS LAVAN, in Kochi, ensuring the crew's safety.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju also criticised the opposition, calling Congress "a highly irresponsible party", while MPs from the INDIA bloc staged protests at Makar Dwar, with leaders including Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge participating.
The budget session of Parliament began on January 28. The first part of the session continued till February 13, and the second part of the budget session, which commenced today, will conclude on April 2.