India’s Parliament resumes the second phase of the Budget Session with S. Jaishankar set to address the Lok Sabha on the escalating West Asia crisis following the reported killing of Ali Khamenei.
Parliament’s Second Phase Begins as Jaishankar Set to Speak on Iran–Israel Conflict
New Delhi: The second phase of the Budget Session of Parliament begins today. On the first day of the session, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will deliver an important statement on the "Situation in West Asia" in the Lok Sabha. This statement is considered extremely important due to the recent escalation of tensions in West Asia and the Iran-Israel conflict. Parliament is expected to reveal the government's official stance on this issue.
The situation in West Asia escalated further after Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israeli attack on February 28. Iran retaliated by targeting US military bases and Israeli-affiliated targets in several West Asian countries.
Amidst this rising tension, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will provide a detailed briefing on the situation in Parliament and clarify India's diplomatic position.
However, opposition parties have demanded a detailed discussion on the issue rather than simply being satisfied with a statement. Jairam Ramesh criticized the government, saying that merely making a statement in Parliament is not enough and that MPs should be given the opportunity to ask questions.
The opposition says the crisis in West Asia is linked to global security and India's interests, and therefore, it should be openly debated in Parliament.
Meanwhile, Congress MPs have also prepared to introduce a no-confidence motion against Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. The opposition alleges that the Speaker is adopting a partisan approach in the House proceedings.
It is reported that approximately 118 opposition MPs have signed this motion. The opposition alleges that Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi was not allowed to speak in the House, a move they have taken in protest against.
The Lok Sabha session will begin with tributes to some departed leaders. These include Meghalaya MP Ricky Andrew J. Singko, Kumari Sushila Tririya, Devi Bux Singh, Purnamasi Ram, and K.P. Unnikrishnan.
Tributes will also be paid in the Rajya Sabha to Mukul Roy, Janardan Waghmare, and H.K. Dua.
Union Minister Nityanand Rai will table an important document related to President's rule in Manipur in the Rajya Sabha. The Upper House is also expected to discuss the functioning of the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Budget Session of Parliament began on January 28 with the President's address. This session has been scheduled for 30 sittings over a total of 65 days. The second phase will continue until April 2, during which legislative work related to the Union Budget 2026-27 and other important issues will be discussed.
