Centre calls for all-party meeting amid escalating West Asia tensions

The central government called an all-party meeting on Wednesday to discuss the escalating West Asia crisis. The move comes amid reports of an LPG crisis and unstable market conditions caused by tensions in the region.Opposition leaders have been attacking the government’s handling of the situation and pressing it to convene an all-party meeting at the earliest. On Tuesday, Congress leader Jairam Ramesh slammed the government's handling of the ongoing West Asia conflict.Meanwhile, in Rajya Sabha, CPI(M) MP John Brittas cited a 2003 parliamentary resolution condemning the Iraq war and urged the government to take a similar stand on Iran. Congress MP Vijay Vasanth also moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha on the LPG cylinder shortage and alleged irregularities in pricing.Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday on India’s energy security and the broader impact of the West Asia conflict."About 1 crore Indians live and work in the Gulf countries. Safeguarding their life and livelihoods is a matter of great concern for India. Several ships are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. Indian crew members are stuck on those ships in large numbers. This too is a cause of major concern for India. In such a difficult situation, it is important that India's Upper House sends out a united voice of peace and dialogue," PM Modi said.Meanwhile, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh chaired a review meeting with top military officials on Tuesday, including CDS General Anil Chauhan, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh, and DRDO Chairman Samir Kamat, to assess India’s defence preparedness amid global and regional security challenges.